Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl

This Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl is perfect for those who crave a delicious meal that combines spicy-sweet chicken, crunchy sweet potatoes, and tangy coleslaw. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. With its vibrant colors and varied textures, it’s a standout option for meal prep or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Unique: The combination of sweet honey and spicy flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables, this bowl offers a wholesome meal option.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes four servings, making it easy to prepare in advance for busy weeks.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in this delightful bowl.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Pot with a lid

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Perfect for cooking chicken to golden perfection while keeping it juicy.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting sweet potatoes evenly without hassle.
• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth hot honey mustard dressing that enhances the dish’s flavor.

Ingredients

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl combines spicy-sweet chicken, crispy sweet potatoes, and tangy coleslaw for a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• sprinkle of salt, to taste
• sprinkle of black pepper, to taste
• 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon white sugar or honey
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup avocado oil or olive oil
• 1/4 cup yellow or Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• sprinkle of salt, to taste
• vegetable oil, for frying

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a blender, combine honey, avocado oil or olive oil, mustard, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Blend until smooth. Set aside until ready to serve.

Step 2: Make the Coleslaw

In a large bowl, mix shredded red cabbage and carrots. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and sugar or honey. Pour this dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with avocado oil, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until coated. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30–40 minutes or until tender and slightly crispy on the outside. Flip halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Quinoa

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in quinoa to coat with butter. Pour in chicken broth and season with salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through. Let sit covered for another 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, salt, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken; cook for about 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Fry the Onions

Thinly slice yellow onion; soak in buttermilk. Mix flour with a sprinkle of salt in another bowl. Dredge soaked onion slices in flour mixture until coated. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat; fry coated onions for about 6–8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 7: Assemble Your Bowl

Start with cooked quinoa as your base. Add roasted sweet potatoes on one side of the bowl next to sliced chicken. Place coleslaw opposite the chicken. Drizzle hot honey mustard dressing over everything then top with crispy fried onions for that extra crunch! Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl

Serving your Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl is all about presentation and balance. The vibrant colors and textures make for a visually appealing dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Build-Your-Own Bowl

• Personalized Toppings: Let guests customize their bowls with additional toppings like avocado slices, nuts, or seeds.
• Grain Options: Offer alternatives like brown rice or barley for a different texture.

Family Style

• Large Platter: Serve the components on a large platter, allowing everyone to assemble their bowls at the table.
• Sharing Plates: Provide small plates for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience.

Meal Prep Containers

• Lunch On-The-Go: Pack individual servings in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Layering Technique: Layer ingredients in jars for an attractive and portable option.

How to Perfect Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl

To achieve the best version of your Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season each component well. This enhances flavors and makes every bite delicious.
• Crispy Texture: Double fry the onions if you want extra crunch; this adds an enjoyable contrast to the soft components.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for coleslaw to maintain crunchiness and vibrant colors.
• Honey Balance: Adjust the honey in your dressing according to your taste preference, balancing sweetness with acidity.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Resting Time: Allow chicken to rest before slicing; this keeps it juicy and tender.

Best Side Dishes for Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl

Pairing side dishes with your Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl can enhance the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delicious options that complement the main dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks with garlic make a great accompaniment that everyone loves.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh, crisp element that balances out the richness of the bowl.
3. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the warm bowl ingredients.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and brightness, making it a perfect palate cleanser.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn drizzled with lime juice offers a sweet crunch that pairs well with savory flavors.
6. Chickpea Salad: Protein-packed chickpeas mixed with herbs and spices can serve as a hearty side that elevates nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid that can impact your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken thighs for too long can lead to dryness. Monitor cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Underseasoning the Vegetables: Not seasoning the sweet potatoes or coleslaw properly can result in bland flavors. Be generous with your spices and seasonings to enhance the taste.

• Skipping the Soaking Step for Onions: Failing to soak onions in buttermilk can prevent them from becoming crispy when fried. Always soak them for at least 30 minutes before dredging in flour.

• Not Fluffing the Quinoa: If you skip fluffing the quinoa after cooking, it may become clumpy. Use a fork to gently fluff it, ensuring a light and airy texture.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients directly from the fridge may affect cooking times and textures. Let ingredients like chicken and sweet potatoes come to room temperature before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl

• Divide into portions and place in freezer-safe containers.
• The bowl can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place the bowl in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir until everything is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl?

The bowl includes spicy-sweet chicken thighs, roasted sweet potatoes, crispy coleslaw, quinoa, and topped with crispy fried onions.

How can I customize my Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl?

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference or add toppings like avocado or nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare components like quinoa, chicken, and coleslaw ahead of time. Combine them just before serving for best results.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge or freezer.

How do I make this dish spicier?

You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the dressing or add hot sauce directly onto your servings for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

The Sweetgreen Copycat Honey Chicken Bowl is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. It combines spicy-sweet flavors with textures that balance perfectly in each bite. Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins according to your preferences. Enjoy creating this flavorful meal!