Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

Sweetgreen hot honey chicken is the ultimate mix of sweet, spicy, and satisfying—and now, you can recreate it at home with ease. After years of helping busy folks whip up protein-packed comfort food that tastes amazing without the guilt, I knew this bowl had to make the list.

With juicy grilled chicken, bold hot honey glaze, hearty grains, and fresh greens, this Sweetgreen hot honey chicken copycat is everything a weeknight dinner should be: quick, flavorful, and nourishing. I’ve spent over a decade in the kitchen crafting wholesome meals my family actually wants to eat (yes, even the picky ones), and this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent, but totally fits into a healthy routine.

Let’s dive into what makes Sweetgreen hot honey chicken such a crave-worthy dish and why everyone’s trying to make it at home.

What Is Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken?

The Story Behind Sweetgreen’s Hot Honey Chicken

Sweetgreen hot honey chicken was designed as a warm, protein-rich bowl that delivers comfort without compromise. It pairs smoky grilled chicken with a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze over a hearty base of grains and veggies. The contrast in flavors and textures made it an instant hit with both health-conscious eaters and flavor fanatics.

The dish quickly earned cult status—not just for its taste, but also for its balanced nutrition. It became the go-to order for clean eaters, athletes, and anyone looking for a guilt-free, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Why This Dish Gained So Much Popularity

So why does everyone love Sweetgreen hot honey chicken? Because it nails that balance between flavor and fuel:

• Comforting but clean. It’s indulgent without being heavy.
• Packed with protein. Ideal for meal preppers and gym-goers.
• Customizable. Easy to modify for gluten-free or low-carb lifestyles.
• TikTok famous. Food bloggers like Kale Junkie and Crowded Kitchen helped it go viral with homemade versions.

Whether you’re a die-hard Sweetgreen fan or just love a good sweet-and-spicy chicken bowl, this dish is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken

Course: Gluten Free

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Sweet potatoes, chicken breast, apple cider vinegar, cabbage,

Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 741kcal

Author: Brooklyn

The hot honey chicken plate at Sweetgreen is delicious, with blackened chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, a carrot and cabbage slaw and crispy onions on top. But since Sweetgreen is pretty expensive, we decided to make our own at home! This recipe is perfect for meal prep, and will save you money!

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Ingredients

Blackened Chicken:

• 2 pounds chicken breast or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ heaping teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon coriander
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sweet potatoes:

• 1 pound sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon nutritional yeast

Hot Honey Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cabbage-carrot Slaw:

• 4 cups cabbage
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrot
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of ½ lime

Quinoa:

• 1 ½ cups quinoa, rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth/stock

Instructions

• Marinate the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and add in all the spices. Whisk to combine, then toss in the chicken and use tongs to get them evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and move to the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. 
• Roast your sweet potatoes. Wash your sweet potatoes, then cut them into roughly 1" rounds and quarter each round. In a mixing bowl, toss with olive oil and spices until evenly coated, then move to a sheet pan and place in a preheated 400˚F oven for roughly 25-30 minutes, tossing them halfway through.
• Make the quinoa. While your sweet potatoes are cooking, add quinoa to a pot and add broth or water, then cook according to package directions.
• Make the slaw. Slice cabbage thinly. Grate carrots or use pre-shredded carrots, and combine cabbage, carrots, and the rest of the slaw ingredients in a mixing bowl.
• Cook the chicken. At this point, your chicken should have been in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. We'd recommend marinating for about 2-3 hours for maximum flavor, but you can take it out now and move it to the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure there's a high heat oil in your grill pan or that your grill grates are well lubricated. Cook until one side is blackened (about 6-8 minutes) then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of around 165˚F. Let it rest for a few minutes, then cut into roughly 1" x 1" pieces.
• Make the hot honey dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients and whisk vigorously to combine.
• Assemble. Add a cup of quinoa to a plate, add a few pieces of chicken and sweet potato, a half cup of slaw, pour over as much dressing as you like, and top with crispy shallots.

Notes

Crispy shallots (optional). This is bit tricky and takes around 10 minutes, so feel free to skip if you don’t have the time.  Slice 1-2 shallots thinly (a mandoline works great), and move to a cold pan, and cover with oil. Turn heat to medium or medium low, and watch the shallots closely. Once they start to fry and bubble, maintain the heat on low or slightly above low (the oil should be around 220˚F-240˚F) – just make sure the shallots keep bubbling. Once they’re a pale golden brown, pour them out into a sieve placed atop a mixing bowl. Then move the onions to a paper towel to siphon off any excess oil, and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.

Storage: Assemble the bowls in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. We like to store the sauce separately in a small container. 

Nutrition

Calories: 741kcal | Carbohydrates: 64.5g | Protein: 45.4g | Fat: 33.3g | Sodium: 1638mg | Fiber: 8.3g | Sugar: 17g

Key Ingredients in Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken

Highlighting the Star Ingredient: Hot Honey

At the heart of Sweetgreen hot honey chicken is, of course, the hot honey. It’s the ingredient that gives this dish its signature kick and crave-worthy glaze. But what exactly is it?

Hot honey is a simple blend of honey, chili flakes or hot sauce, and a splash of vinegar or citrus for acidity. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and heat—sticky enough to coat the chicken, but thin enough to drizzle over your bowl. If you want that authentic flavor, start with high-quality honey and adjust the spice level to match your heat preference. For a homemade version, try this quick mix:

Simmer it for 5 minutes, cool slightly, and you’ve got a homemade hot honey that’ll elevate any meal—not just this one.

Choosing the Right Chicken: Breast vs. Thighs

Sweetgreen doesn’t specifically advertise whether they use chicken breast or thighs, but their texture and flavor hint at grilled boneless chicken breast, likely marinated for juiciness and sliced thin. That said, if you prefer richer flavor, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative—they’re juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Regardless of which you choose, marinating the chicken is key. A mix of olive oil, garlic, paprika, and lemon juice gives it that warm, charred, slightly smoky flavor you expect from Sweetgreen hot honey chicken.

How to Make Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Creating your own Sweetgreen hot honey chicken at home is easier than you might think—and it all starts with marination. The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken lies in letting the spices and oil soak in before it ever hits the pan or grill.

Here’s a simple marination process:

Ingredients for Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients.
2. Add the chicken and coat well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for max flavor).

Quick tip: Short on time? Use a Sous vide frozen chicken breast for juicy, ready-to-slice chicken—just reheat, glaze, and serve!

Once marinated, you can cook the chicken using your preferred method. For a Sweetgreen-style result, grilling or pan-searing is ideal.

Cooking Techniques: Grilling vs. Pan-Searing

Both methods will give you that juicy bite, but depending on your kitchen tools, you can choose what works best:

Grilling Method

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature hits 165°F.
• Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Pan-Searing Method

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
• Add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes per side, flipping once.
• Optional: Cover for the last 2 minutes to lock in moisture.
• Rest, then slice into strips.

For both methods, be sure not to skip the resting time. This helps the juices redistribute so your chicken stays moist—not dry.

Crafting the Perfect Hot Honey Sauce

Ingredients That Bring the Heat and Sweet

One of the most craveable elements of Sweetgreen hot honey chicken is the bold, sticky hot honey glaze. It strikes a mouthwatering balance between sweet and spicy—and the best part? You can make it at home in just a few minutes with pantry staples.

Here’s a simple, flavorful hot honey recipe:

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Simmer gently over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Let it cool slightly before using.

You can drizzle this sauce over grilled or baked chicken, toss roasted veggies in it, or even spoon it over crispy tofu or biscuits. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week—just warm before serving.

How to Balance Spice and Sweetness

What makes this glaze irresistible is the perfect flavor harmony. While the honey brings mellow sweetness, the chili flakes and vinegar create just enough contrast to wake up your taste buds.

Here are a few easy ways to tweak it:

• Too spicy? Cut back on chili flakes or omit the hot sauce.
• Too sweet? Add a splash more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon.
• Want depth? A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne can add dimension.

This glaze is what gives the Sweetgreen hot honey chicken its unforgettable finish, coating each bite with bold, sticky sweetness and that slow-building kick. You’ll want to put it on everything.

Building the Complete Hot Honey Chicken Plate

What Comes on the Sweetgreen Plate?

To truly recreate the Sweetgreen hot honey chicken experience, you’ll need more than just flavorful chicken and sauce—it’s all about the full bowl. Sweetgreen serves this dish as a warm, balanced plate packed with whole grains, protein, crunchy textures, and a mix of tangy and creamy dressings.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included in their bowl:

The variety of textures and temperatures—warm grains, cool veggies, creamy goat cheese—make this bowl super satisfying.

Copying the Sweetgreen Bowl Base at Home

Now let’s build your own custom Sweetgreen hot honey chicken bowl, right in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Bowl Assembly:

1. Start with a Base: Mix half cooked wild rice or quinoa with chopped spinach or kale.
2. Layer Roasted Veggies: Add roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned with cumin, paprika, and garlic.
3. Add Crunch: Top with a simple slaw—thinly sliced cabbage and carrots tossed in olive oil and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
4. Add the Protein: Slice your cooked hot honey-glazed chicken and place it on top.
5. Balance with Pickled Onions: Quick pickle your own with red onions, vinegar, and a touch of sugar.
6. Creamy Element: Crumble goat cheese over everything.
7. Finish with a Dressing: Drizzle with a homemade cilantro-lime vinaigrette or your favorite clean dressing.

Want a different spin on this flavor combo? If you prefer a hand-held version over a bowl, you’ll love our hot honey chicken sandwich—it’s packed with the same sticky-sweet glaze and juicy chicken, but served between toasted buns.

Pairing Ideas – What Goes with Hot Honey Chicken?

Best Veggies and Grains to Serve Alongside

When building a bold and balanced plate like Sweetgreen hot honey chicken, your choice of sides is key. A flavorful main protein deserves complementary grains and veggies that absorb sauce, offer texture, and round out the meal.

Here are some of the top grain options to recreate that restaurant-quality bowl at home:

Now add some color, crunch, and balance with vegetables:

These pairings help recreate the signature profile of a Sweetgreen hot honey chicken bowl—sweet, spicy, tangy, and filling with every bite.

Complementary Sauces and Dressings

While the hot honey glaze is the flavor highlight, a secondary dressing brings contrast and moisture, especially when layering grains and greens. To mimic that well-rounded bowl you’d find at Sweetgreen, here are a few dressing ideas:

The combination of hot glaze, fresh greens, and an herby vinaigrette makes your homemade Sweetgreen hot honey chicken feel like a complete, gourmet experience.

Nutrition Facts and Benefits

Is Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Healthy?

The short answer: absolutely—when done right. Sweetgreen hot honey chicken is designed to be both satisfying and nourishing. With lean protein, wholesome grains, fiber-rich vegetables, and a sauce that adds bold flavor without deep frying, this meal strikes a great balance between comfort and clean eating.

Here’s a quick look at the typical macronutrient profile (approximate per serving when homemade):

The beauty of this bowl is its flexibility—you control the portions and the ingredients. Want fewer carbs? Swap wild rice for cauliflower rice. Need more protein? Add an egg or extra chicken. Prefer dairy-free? Skip the goat cheese and opt for avocado instead.

Whether you’re looking to fuel up after a workout or simply eat more whole foods, this bowl delivers nutrients without compromising on flavor.

Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken: Protein, Calories, and Clean Eating Benefits

One of the top reasons people love Sweetgreen hot honey chicken is because it’s high in protein without feeling heavy or greasy. The grilled chicken alone gives you over 30 grams of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair, satiety, and daily energy.

Key clean eating benefits include:

• Low sugar (aside from natural honey): Unlike store-bought sauces, you control the glaze.
• No deep frying: Everything is baked, grilled, or roasted.
• Fresh, whole ingredients: From kale to goat cheese, the bowl keeps processed foods to a minimum.
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients: Olive oil, leafy greens, and vinegar support gut health and digestion.

This recipe is also a great entry point for anyone just starting to meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge, and the components stay fresh for days.

Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips

How to Store and Reheat for Best Taste

One of the major perks of making Sweetgreen hot honey chicken at home is how well it holds up for leftovers. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or saving dinner for another night, proper storage and reheating help maintain flavor and texture.

Storage Tips:

• Separate components: Store chicken, grains, veggies, and dressings in separate containers to prevent sogginess.
• Use airtight containers: Keeps food fresh up to 4–5 days in the fridge.
• Label and date: Especially helpful if you’re prepping multiple meals.

Reheating Tips:

Avoid microwaving everything together at once—heat the grains and chicken first, then add fresh veggies and drizzle your glaze last for the best result.

Batch Cooking for Busy Weeks

If you’re like me and love to cook once and eat multiple times, you’ll be happy to know Sweetgreen hot honey chicken is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to batch it efficiently:

Meal Prep Strategy:

1. Double the chicken recipe – Cook extra and slice thinly for faster reheats.
2. Make a big batch of grains – Wild rice or quinoa stores well and stays fluffy.
3. Roast veggies all at once – Sweet potatoes, carrots, and broccoli can all share a sheet pan.
4. Portion in containers – Layer grains and veggies on the bottom, chicken on top. Add fresh elements (like goat cheese or slaw) right before eating.

Bonus idea: Got kids? Turn leftovers into a Chicken Nugget Lunchable with mini chicken bites, hot honey dip, rice, and veggies—quick, fun, and kid-approved!

Conclusion

The Sweetgreen hot honey chicken bowl isn’t just a viral favorite—it’s a delicious, balanced meal you can recreate at home. With juicy grilled chicken, sticky hot honey glaze, hearty grains, and vibrant veggies, this recipe delivers all the comfort and nutrition of the original.

Whether you’re meal-prepping or making a quick weeknight dinner, this copycat version gives you total control over flavor and ingredients. It’s bold, clean, and 100% satisfying.

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FAQs About Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken