There is nothing quite like the perfect balance of sweet heat and comforting textures that makes the Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe such a beloved dish. This recipe captures everything you love about that iconic plate, from tender, seasoned chicken glazed in a sticky hot honey sauce to crispy rice and caramelized sweet potatoes that add incredible depth and color. Whether you are craving a healthy but indulgent meal or looking to impress your friends with a restaurant-quality dish at home, this Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe is bound to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that each bring a unique flavor or texture to the table. Every item contributes to the harmony of crispy, tender, sweet, and spicy components that make this dish sing.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides juicy protein that’s easy to season and cook evenly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and adds a mild fruity richness when cooking chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances natural flavors and brings balance to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky warmth and vibrant color to the chicken seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth of savory flavor that complements the honey glaze.
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (chilled for crisping): Essential for that delightful crispy rice base that contrasts the softness of the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for rice): Infuses the rice with a luscious, golden crunch when seared.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced: Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and adds a caramelized texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sweet potatoes): Ensures even roasting and helps the sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or kale: Brings freshness and a slight crunch to the dish, balancing the richer flavors.
- Hot honey sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star ingredient that ties the dish together with its perfect combination of spicy heat and sweetness.
- Optional toppings: crumbled goat cheese, chopped scallions, sesame seeds: Add extra layers of creaminess, brightness, and nutty texture.
How to Make Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss your diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper—this simple combo ensures they’ll caramelize and develop that irresistible golden-brown edge. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender and have lovely caramelized bits that will add sweetness and depth to your plate.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. These spices add a cozy smoky and garlicky warmth that plays beautifully with the sweet honey glaze. Grill or sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and perfectly juicy. Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep all those flavorful juices locked in.
Step 3: Crisp the Rice
In another skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat and add your chilled cooked rice. Spread it evenly in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom gets stunningly crispy and golden. This crispy rice adds an incredible texture contrast against the tender chicken and soft roasted vegetables. Feel free to stir and crisp a bit more if you want extra crunch.
Step 4: Assemble Your Plate
Now comes the fun part. Arrange a generous bed of crispy rice in bowls, then layer on the roasted sweet potatoes and shredded cabbage or kale for a fresh crunch. Top with the juicy slices of hot honey-glazed chicken, drizzling the hot honey sauce lavishly over everything so every bite has that perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings
To really elevate your Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe, sprinkle on optional toppings like tangy crumbled goat cheese, sharp chopped scallions, or nutty sesame seeds. These little touches add dimension and make your meal feel restaurant-quality while still being completely homemade.
How to Serve Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make all the difference with this dish. Fresh chopped scallions bring bright bursts of flavor and a little crunch, while crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the hot honey sauce. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds lends a subtle nuttiness and an inviting aroma that completes the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This plate is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to serve sides, keep it light and complementary. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or a bowl of pickled vegetables provides a refreshing counterpoint. Alternatively, some steamed or roasted seasonal greens can add extra nutrients and vibrancy without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, present your Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe in clear glass bowls or rustic wooden plates to show off all the colorful layers. Drizzle the hot honey sauce tableside for a bit of spectacle. You can also serve the components deconstructed on a large platter for a shared, family-style meal where everyone can customize their own bowls with different toppings and sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken, rice, and sweet potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their textures and flavors longer. Properly stored, your leftovers should remain fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While the roasted sweet potatoes and cooked chicken freeze well for later meals, crispy rice loses some of its crunchiness after thawing. For best results, freeze components separately in freezer-safe containers and reheat chicken and sweet potatoes thoroughly before assembling your plate again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sweet potatoes gently in the oven or a skillet to preserve their texture. For the rice, a quick high-heat sear in a pan with a little butter will revive some of that beloved crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the rice mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for the crispy base?
Absolutely! Both white and brown rice work well, but make sure it’s cooked and thoroughly chilled before crisping. Short-grain rice tends to crisp up nicely, but feel free to experiment with what you have.
Is there a vegan version of this Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe?
Yes! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh and use vegan butter or olive oil for crisping the rice. Choose a vegan hot honey alternative or make a homemade hot agave sauce for a delicious plant-based spin.
Can I make the hot honey sauce at home?
Definitely! A simple homemade hot honey sauce can be made by warming honey with a bit of chili flakes until infused. This allows you to control the heat level and sweetness to perfectly suit your taste.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat level really depends on the hot honey sauce you use. Store-bought versions vary, so choose one that matches your spice tolerance, or adjust your homemade sauce accordingly by adding more or fewer chili flakes.
What other vegetables can I add to this plate?
Feel free to get creative! Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even grilled zucchini make excellent additions. Just keep in mind to season and roast them well to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat, combining a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that feel both nourishing and indulgent. Once you try it, I’m confident it will earn a special spot in your dinner rotation or weekend cooking projects. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a dish that feels like a warm hug with a playful kick of heat.
Print
Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate is a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring juicy, seasoned chicken breast, caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, crispy buttery rice, and fresh shredded greens. Topped with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce and optional savory garnishes, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner at home.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Rice
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (chilled for crisping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for rice)
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Greens and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or kale
- Hot honey sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional toppings: crumbled goat cheese, chopped scallions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sweet potatoes roast, season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Grill or sear the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Crisp the Rice: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chilled cooked rice, spreading it out evenly in the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom layer becomes crispy and golden brown. Stir the rice and let it crisp more briefly if desired.
- Assemble the Plate: In serving bowls, layer the crispy rice, roasted sweet potatoes, shredded cabbage or kale, and sliced chicken breast.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the assembled bowls. Add any optional toppings such as crumbled goat cheese, chopped scallions, or sesame seeds to enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Sweetgreen-style hot honey chicken plate warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can substitute kale with shredded cabbage or any hearty leafy greens for variation.
- For homemade hot honey sauce, mix honey with hot sauce or chili flakes to taste.
- Ensure the rice is chilled beforehand to achieve the best crispiness when pan-frying.
- Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Chicken can be cooked on a grill pan, outdoor grill, or in a skillet depending on preference.
