Name: Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 lb sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium sized potatoes, 3-4 cups); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 3 cups shredded purple cabbage; 1.5 cups shredded carrots (about 2 large carrots); ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon olive oil mayonnaise or your favorite mayo; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon hot honey or regular honey; ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoon lime juice (1 small lime); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a wholesome meal that’s bursting with flavor but also keeps things light and nourishing, you’re going to love this Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory—all packed into a bowl that fuels you up without weighing you down. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing together a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe feels like a treat without the guilt. Stick around, and I’ll share everything you need to nail it at home!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The hot honey sauce perfectly blends sweet heat with tangy mustard, creating a flavor punch you’ll crave.
Nutrient-Packed Bowl: Incorporating quinoa, sweet potatoes, and fresh slaw delivers wholesome nutrients and texture variety.
Simple Prep and Cleanup: Roasting chicken and sweet potatoes on one pan keeps things streamlined and easy.
Customizable & Kid-Friendly: You can easily dial up or down the spice and switch protein cuts to suit your tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe shines because of the thoughtful ingredients that balance flavor and health. The spices build layers on the chicken and sweet potatoes, while the vibrant cabbage slaw adds crunch and freshness. I always recommend using good quality ingredients where you can—it makes a world of difference.

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, hot honey chicken bowls, Sweetgreen copycat bowls, healthy chicken bowl recipes, flavorful nutritious bowls - Flat lay of cubed raw chicken thighs sprinkled with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper, bright orange cubed sweet potatoes dusted with smoked paprika and garlic powder, shredded deep purple cabbage and bright orange shredded carrots, small dish of golden hot honey, fresh lime halves with vibrant green skin, a heap of uncooked quinoa grains, and a small pile of Dijon mustard, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chicken thighs or chicken breast: Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat—just watch cooking time carefully.
Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and creamy when roasted; they bring a comforting starch without heaviness.
Purple cabbage: Adds crunchy texture and color plus fiber and nutrients to brighten this bowl.
Carrots: Complement the cabbage with sweetness and a little extra crunch.
Quinoa: A great gluten-free grain with complete protein to keep you full and satisfied.
Hot honey: The star ingredient in the sauce that gives a gentle but addictive sweet heat touch.
Dijon mustard & apple cider vinegar: Bring tang and depth to the dressing and sauce, balancing all the richer components.
Spices (paprika, chili powder, garlic, thyme, oregano): These build a warm, smoky base flavor that draws you in bite after bite.
Greek yogurt & mayo: Give the slaw creaminess without tipping into heaviness, keeping the dish fresh.
Olive oil: Helps roast the ingredients and enrich the dressings with healthy fats.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I like to personalize the heat level depending on my mood or who I’m cooking for—you’ll enjoy making this recipe suit your cravings, too.

Mild Version: I sometimes swap hot honey for regular honey and omit red pepper flakes if I’m serving picky eaters or want a gentler sweetness.
Extra Heat: I’ve kicked it up by doubling the cayenne in the chicken seasoning and adding more red pepper flakes—just be ready with a cooling slaw!
Grain Swap: Quinoa is my fave, but feel free to use brown rice or farro depending on your pantry and preference.
Veggie Variations: Adding steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower gives you even more texture and nutrients if you want to bulk up the bowl.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

First, I cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Tossing these in a mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, thyme, and just a splash of olive oil is key. Make sure every piece gets coated—this is where the magic starts. If you have 10 minutes, letting the chicken rest in the marinade while you prep veggies makes the flavors deeper.

Step 2: Season and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes roast beautifully with a dusting of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a bit of cornstarch—that little trick helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. Spread them out evenly on one side of your baking sheet, making sure they’re in a single layer so they caramelize instead of steam. This step gives you those tender, golden nuggets that contrast so well with the chicken.

Step 3: Roast Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Together

Pop the baking sheet into a 425°F oven. Roast the chicken and sweet potatoes together for about 25-30 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through if you like a more even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken hits 165°F—juicy and safe. This all-in-one roasting keeps cleanup minimal and flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Quinoa

While everything roasts, I rinse and cook the quinoa per package directions, usually about 15 minutes simmering. I fluff it with a fork and keep it warm for assembly. Quinoa makes the bowl extra wholesome, and I love how its subtle nuttiness complements the hot honey sauce.

Step 5: Prep the Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

I shred purple cabbage and carrots and mix them with a creamy dressing that’s got tangy apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt, a hint of mayo, and just a splash of hot honey for continuity with the bowl’s flavor theme. The crunch balances the roasted softness perfectly—it’s such an essential counterpoint that really lifts the dish.

Step 6: Whisk Up the Hot Honey Mustard Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk Dijon mustard, hot honey, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until silky. This dressing ties the whole bowl together with a sweet-spicy tang that’s unforgettable. I love prepping this early so the flavors mingle by the time I’m ready to serve.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Now comes the fun part! Scoop a hearty portion of quinoa into your bowl, add a generous helping of the purple cabbage slaw, then top with roasted chicken and sweet potatoes. Drizzle your hot honey mustard dressing over everything and take a moment to admire those beautiful colors. It’s ready to dig in, enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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Pro Tips for Making Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe

Even Sizing: Chopping chicken and sweet potatoes into uniform cubes ensures they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Don’t Skip Cornstarch: Tossing sweet potatoes in cornstarch before roasting helps get that perfect crispy exterior without frying.
Marinate Chicken Longer: If time lets you, marinate chicken for 30 minutes or more to deepen flavor and tenderness.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid drying out your chicken by pulling it right at 165°F and letting it rest slightly before serving.

How to Serve Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, hot honey chicken bowls, Sweetgreen copycat bowls, healthy chicken bowl recipes, flavorful nutritious bowls - The image shows a white bowl with four different parts of food arranged side by side. The first layer on the left is light yellow quinoa with a grainy texture. Next to it is a layer of purple and light orange coleslaw made from shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with a creamy dressing. The top-right section contains small browned chicken pieces with a golden glaze. The last section on the bottom-right has roasted orange sweet potato cubes with a slightly crispy look. Behind the bowl is a glass jar with a creamy white sauce. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a light fabric in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on these bowls—it adds a fresh burst of flavor and vibrant green to contrast the warm tones. A wedge of lime on the side is perfect for that extra zing if you want a citrus boost just before eating.

Side Dishes

Since this bowl is pretty complete, I usually keep sides simple. Sometimes a light cucumber salad with a quick squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil complements it wonderfully. Or, if you want more crunch, baked pita chips or roasted chickpeas make for a nice playful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love serving the components separately buffet-style so guests build their own bowls—lettuce cups, extra veggies, and multiple dressing options make it interactive and fun. Layering ingredients in clear glass jars also makes for appealing meal prep gifts or grab-and-go lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken, sweet potatoes, and quinoa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The slaw stays best if stored separately and tossed fresh before serving. Keeping components separate helps maintain texture and flavor so dinner feels just as fresh the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, the chicken and quinoa freeze well individually—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. I don’t recommend freezing the slaw or dressing though, as the texture changes when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven or stovetop to keep them from drying out—microwaving can work in a pinch, but watch closely. Adding a splash of water or olive oil before reheating can help maintain moisture. The quinoa heats up nicely too. Toss fresh slaw and drizzle dressing over just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces and watch the cooking time carefully so they don’t dry out—check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
What if I don’t have hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey on hand, you can make your own by gently warming regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne powder. This way, you control the heat level and keep that signature sweet-spicy kick that makes this recipe special.
Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and chop the veggies a day ahead to save time. The quinoa also keeps well cooked in the fridge. Just assemble fresh on the day you want to serve for the best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?

This recipe includes quinoa and sweet potatoes which are higher in carbs, so it’s not keto-friendly as is. However, you could swap the quinoa for cauliflower rice and limit or omit sweet potatoes to make it lower carb.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe quickly became a go-to in my kitchen because it feels both indulgent and nourishing—two things that seem hard to find together. The combination of juicy roasted chicken, crispy sweet potatoes, fresh tangy slaw, and that lip-smacking hot honey mustard sauce is pure happiness in every bite. So go ahead, give it a try and tweak it to your liking. I promise it’ll become one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for meal prep or just sharing with friends over a cozy dinner.