The first time I took a bite of the Hot Honey Chicken Plate from Sweetgreen, it felt like a burst of sunshine on my taste buds. The combination of smoky blackened chicken, sweet roasted sweet potatoes, and that zesty carrot-cabbage slaw? Pure magic! With summer fading and busy weeknights creeping in, I realized I needed a solution that brought that delightful flavor home without breaking the bank or my schedule.
This recipe captures that same joy while focusing on meal prep, making it easy to whip up large portions for the week ahead. Trust me, once you experience the satisfying crunch of crispy onions and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy hot honey dressing, you’ll find yourself reaching for this dish again and again. Whether for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, it’s time to bring the best of Sweetgreen right to your kitchen!
Why will you love the Hot Honey Chicken Plate?
Simple Meal Prep: This recipe shines with its focus on convenience, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky chicken, sweet potatoes, and zesty slaw results in a delightful taste sensation that’s sure to please your palate.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only satisfying but also nourishing—perfect for any meal.
Customizable Delights: Whether you stick with chicken or try a plant-based alternative, you can easily adjust ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.
Make-Ahead Magic: Spend less time cooking during the week by preparing this dish in advance, with components staying fresh for up to five days.
Dive into the vibrant world of the Hot Honey Chicken Plate, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe!
Hot Honey Chicken Plate Ingredients
Experience the magic of flavors with these essential components you’ll need to create the delightful Hot Honey Chicken Plate.
For the Chicken Marinade
• Chicken Breasts – Provides lean protein; swap with chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
• Olive Oil – Adds moisture and flavor; consider avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
• Balsamic Vinegar – Great for marinating; use white wine vinegar if you prefer a milder taste.
• Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, etc.) – Elevate the chicken seasoning; tailor the blend to your palate.
For the Base
• Quinoa – Offers a nutty flavor and wholesome base; substitute with rice for a different texture.
• Sweet Potatoes – Bring natural sweetness and fiber; feel free to use regular potatoes in a pinch.
For the Slaw
• Cabbage – Create crunch and freshness; opt for red cabbage for a beautiful pop of color.
• Carrots – Add vibrant color and sweetness; pre-shredded options work great for saving time.
For the Hot Honey Dressing
• Honey – The sweet star of the show; store-bought hot honey fits perfectly, too.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Infuse the perfect kick of heat; adjust to your own spice threshold.
For Assembly
• Crispy Shallots (optional) – Add delightful texture and depth; skip or use store-bought if short on time.
Gather these ingredients and prepare to create a memorable Hot Honey Chicken Plate that’ll bypass your cravings for fast food and bring the warmth of home-cooked goodness to your table!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Plate
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Marinate Chicken: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and spices in a bowl. Coat the chicken well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for deep flavor infusion.
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Roast Sweet Potatoes: Cut sweet potatoes into rounds, toss with olive oil and seasonings. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
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Cook Quinoa: In a saucepan, simmer quinoa in broth or water according to package directions while your sweet potatoes roast. Aim for fluffy grains, about 15 minutes.
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Prepare Slaw: Thinly slice cabbage and grate the carrots. Mix them together in a bowl for a fresh crunch that complements the hot honey chicken perfectly.
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Cook Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until blackened and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), roughly 6-8 minutes per side.
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Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined, creating that sweet and spicy flavor.
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Crispy Shallots (optional): Slice shallots thinly, frying them in a cold pan with oil over low heat until they turn golden brown. Drain well and season lightly with salt.
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Assemble: On a plate, lay down a bed of quinoa, top with roasted sweet potatoes, blackened chicken, and slaw. Drizzle generously with hot honey dressing and finish with crispy shallots on top.
Optional: Serve with black beans or avocado for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Chicken Plate
Fridge: Store assembled bowls in airtight containers for up to 5 days, ensuring the hot honey dressing is kept separate to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze individual components (chicken, quinoa, sweet potatoes) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven or microwave until heated through. Quinoa can be warmed up in a saucepan for optimal texture.
Texture Tip: Reheating may alter the crunchiness of slaw; add fresh slaw just before serving to keep it crisp.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Hot Honey Chicken Plate ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious time during your busy week. You can marinate the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for optimal flavor infusion. Additionally, cooking the quinoa and roasting the sweet potatoes can be done in advance and stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the quality of your slaw, simply keep the dressing separate and mix it right before serving to preserve its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, just grill the marinated chicken and assemble everything for a delicious, meal-prepped dinner that’s just as delightful as when it was freshly made!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Plate?
To create a delightful and fulfilling meal, consider these perfect pairings that balance flavors and textures beautifully.
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Creamy Avocado: The smooth, rich texture adds a luxurious element and complements the spicy notes of the hot honey dressing.
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted with a hint of garlic, these provide a savory crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness in the chicken.
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Black Beans: Their hearty nature brings a nutritious protein boost, adding earthiness that rounds out the flavors on your plate.
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Sauteed Kale: This vibrant green adds a peppery freshness that pairs perfectly with the savory elements of the dish.
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Garlic Bread: A side of warm, garlic-infused bread offers a comforting texture, perfect for mopping up any leftover dressing.
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Lemonade Spritzers: Refreshing and zesty, these drinks balance the sweetness of the dish with a burst of citrus, making your meal feel more festive.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing and light touch to your plate, elevating the overall dining experience.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, it provides a rich and creamy finale, contrasting beautifully with the savory flavors of the main dish while still feeling indulgent.
Expert Tips for the Hot Honey Chicken Plate
• Marinate Longer: Enhance flavor by marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours; overnight marinating yields even deeper infusion.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken reaches the perfectly safe internal temperature of 165°F to keep it juicy and avoid dryness.
• Crispy Shallots Caution: Fry shallots slowly, monitoring closely to prevent burning, which can quickly ruin their lovely flavor and texture.
• Prep Ahead: Consider prepping components like the slaw and sweet potatoes in advance; this will streamline your meal assembly during busy weekdays.
• Customize Your Grains: Feel free to swap quinoa for other grains like farro or brown rice for a different twist in your Hot Honey Chicken Plate.
Hot Honey Chicken Plate Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists and swaps to personalize your Hot Honey Chicken Plate!
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Vegetarian Option: Swap blackened chicken for grilled or roasted tofu, marinated in the same spices for added flavor.
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Whole Grain Swap: Use farro or barley in place of quinoa for a nutty twist that changes the plate’s texture beautifully.
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Flavorful Dressings: Try switching the hot honey dressing for a creamy cilantro-lime dressing to bring a refreshing kick to the dish.
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Spicy Kick: For a hotter version, add sliced jalapeños to the slaw or increase the amount of red pepper flakes in your dressing.
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Colorful Cabbage: Mix in rainbow slaw by blending green cabbage with some purple cabbage and shredded beets for vibrant color and taste.
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Sweet Potato Alternatives: Substitute roasted butternut squash for sweet potatoes for a slightly different sweetness and deliciously creamy texture.
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Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into your slaw for an aromatic flair that really brightens the dish.
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Crunchy Topping: Add toasted nuts or seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) to your slaw for an exciting crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft textures.
Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for the Hot Honey Chicken Plate?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier option. Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance its taste!
How do I store leftovers of the Hot Honey Chicken Plate?
Store your assembled bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the freshness of the slaw, keep it separate from the chicken and sweet potatoes until you’re ready to eat.
Can I freeze the components of the Hot Honey Chicken Plate?
Absolutely! For long-term storage, you can freeze individual components, including the chicken, quinoa, and roasted sweet potatoes, for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool everything completely before wrapping tightly in freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
What’s the best way to reheat my Hot Honey Chicken Plate?
Reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave for a quicker option. Quinoa can be gently warmed in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth for better texture. Remember to add fresh slaw just before serving to keep it crisp!
Can modifications be made for dietary restrictions?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free. For those with other dietary concerns, consider using tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version. You can also swap the quinoa for gluten-free grains like brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
What if my chicken is overcooked?
If your chicken ends up a bit dry, no worries! Serve it with a generous drizzle of the hot honey dressing to add moisture back in. Also, keeping an eye on cooking times and using a meat thermometer is key for achieving juicy chicken every time.
Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe FAQs
Hot Honey Chicken Plate: Your Savory Meal Prep Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate Chicken: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and spices in a bowl. Coat the chicken well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Cut sweet potatoes into rounds, toss with olive oil and seasonings. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Cook Quinoa: In a saucepan, simmer quinoa in broth or water according to package directions for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare Slaw: Thinly slice cabbage and grate the carrots. Mix them in a bowl.
- Cook Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until blackened, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together honey and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Crispy Shallots: Slice shallots thinly, fry in a cold pan with oil over low heat until golden.
- Assemble: On a plate, layer quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, and slaw. Drizzle with dressing and top with crispy shallots.