Okay, friend—get ready, because this Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate is about to seriously level up your lunch or dinner game. Imagine crispy, tender chicken drizzled with sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey, nestled over a bed of hearty grains and fresh greens. Every bite is a mix of warm, spicy, sweet, crunchy, and creamy—basically a party on your plate! Trust me, once you taste this homemade version, you’re going to be hooked for life.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get that Sweetgreen experience without the price tag—or having to leave your house!

Bold Flavors: Between the juicy chicken, spicy honey, and fresh toppings, every forkful is bursting with flavor.

Customizable: Love it extra spicy? Go for it. Want more greens or grains? Pile them on. You’re in charge!

Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra and you’ll have dreamy lunches ready to roll for days.

Feel-Good Meal: It’s hearty, nourishing, and seriously satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

(Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Ingredients in Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up that delicious hot honey glaze.

Hot Honey: Sweet with just the right kick of heat. You can use store-bought or whip up your own with honey and a splash of hot sauce.

Buttermilk: For marinating the chicken and keeping it unbelievably tender.

Flour and Cornstarch: Creates that crispy, golden crust we all dream about.

Mixed Greens: A fresh, vibrant base that lightens up the richness of the chicken.

Cooked Grains: Think quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a hearty, nutty foundation.

Pickled Red Onions: Tangy, punchy, and the ultimate flavor booster.

Goat Cheese or Feta: Creamy and slightly tangy, the perfect finishing touch.

Avocado Slices: Buttery and luscious—need we say more?

Ranch or Green Goddess Dressing: For that creamy, herby drizzle to tie it all together.

Instructions

Let’s dive into this crave-worthy masterpiece:

Marinate the Chicken: Toss your chicken pieces in buttermilk with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let them soak up all that goodness for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re a planner).

Prep Your Breading Station: In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, and your favorite seasonings—think paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little cayenne.

Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated.

Cook the Chicken: Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Drizzle with Hot Honey: While the chicken’s still warm, drizzle it generously with hot honey so it melts into all those crispy nooks and crannies.

Assemble Your Plate: Layer grains, greens, avocado, pickled onions, and cheese on a plate. Top with hot honey chicken.

Finish with Dressing: Drizzle your favorite ranch or green goddess dressing all over everything.

Serve and Enjoy: Dig in while it’s fresh, crispy, and ridiculously good!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 630

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

Get ready to create your dream bowl:

Grain Bowls: Switch it up with different grains like bulgur, couscous, or wild rice.

Extra Greens: Add kale or arugula for even more peppery bite.

Veggie-Packed: Toss in some roasted sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices for extra crunch and color.

Family Style: Set out all the toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own plate—fun and customizable!

Additional Tips

Homemade Hot Honey: Mix honey with a splash of your favorite hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes—easy and customizable!

Crispier Chicken: For next-level crunch, double-dip your chicken: dredge, dip back into buttermilk, then dredge again before frying.

Oven Option: Want to bake instead? Spray the breaded chicken with oil and bake at 425°F until crispy and cooked through.

Storage Tips: Keep the chicken separate from the greens when storing leftovers to maintain that beautiful crunch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought hot honey?
A1: Absolutely! Mike’s Hot Honey is a popular choice, but homemade works just as well.

Q2: What’s the best grain for the base?
A2: Quinoa, brown rice, and farro are all awesome hearty choices that hold up well.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Just use gluten-free flour for breading and ensure your grains are gluten-free too.

Q4: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A4: Totally! Bake at 425°F and flip halfway through until crispy and golden.

Q5: How spicy is the hot honey?
A5: You control the heat! Add more or less hot sauce depending on your spice tolerance.

Q6: What dressing tastes best with this?
A6: Ranch and green goddess are the classics, but a light vinaigrette could work too if you want it fresher.

Q7: How long does leftover chicken stay crispy?
A7: Best eaten fresh, but you can re-crisp it in a 400°F oven for about 5–8 minutes.

Q8: Can I meal prep this?
A8: Absolutely. Store each component separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Q9: Is there a dairy-free option?
A9: Use dairy-free yogurt in the marinade and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.

Q10: What’s the easiest way to pickle onions?
A10: Slice red onions thin, then soak in vinegar, sugar, and salt for about 30 minutes—done!

Conclusion

There’s just something extra special about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home—and this Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate absolutely delivers. It’s crispy, spicy, sweet, creamy, and totally customizable, making it perfect for weekday lunches, casual dinners, or even a fancy-feeling weekend meal. Give it a try—you’re going to feel like a total kitchen rockstar with this one!

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