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 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 10 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and healthy, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite recipe: the Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe. It’s a game-changer, especially when you want something that tastes indulgent but still fits your wellness goals. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less. So grab your apron, because I’m about to walk you through how to nail it every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony: The blend of smoky spices, sweet honey, and a touch of heat creates a mouthwatering balance that keeps you coming back for more.
Nutrient-Packed: We’ve got lean protein, fiber-rich quinoa, and a vibrant purple cabbage slaw for a dose of vitamins and crunch.
One-Pan Convenience: Roasting chicken and sweet potatoes side-by-side makes meal prep simple and cleanup a breeze.
Customizable Heat Level: You control how spicy or sweet the hot honey is, so it’s perfect for every palate.

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, Sweetgreen Copycat Bowls, Healthy Chicken Bowl Recipes, Spicy Honey Chicken Bowls - A bowl with four sections of food sitting on a white marbled surface. The top left section has soft, cubed orange sweet potatoes with a slightly roasted texture. Below that is a portion of browned chicken pieces with a shiny glaze and visible herbs. The top right section contains a mix of shredded purple cabbage and orange carrots coated lightly in a creamy dressing. The bottom right section includes pale, fluffy cooked quinoa with tiny round grains. The bowl itself is white with a smooth finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredient list for this Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe is straightforward but thoughtfully put together. I love how each component brings both flavor and nutrition, and I have a few tips on where to shop smart and what to look for to get the best results.

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, Sweetgreen Copycat Bowls, Healthy Chicken Bowl Recipes, Spicy Honey Chicken 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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breast: Thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breast works if you want leaner protein. Make sure it’s fresh or well-thawed for even cooking.
Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and fiber. Pick firm, bright-colored potatoes to avoid bitterness or mushiness.
Spices (Garlic powder, Smoked paprika, Chili powder, Dried thyme, Onion powder, Dried oregano, Black pepper, Kosher salt, Cayenne pepper): This spice mix is essential for layering smoky, savory, and spicy notes – don’t be shy with the smoked paprika!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and a lovely richness, especially when roasting veggies and coating the chicken.
Purple Cabbage & Carrots: The shredded veggies provide vibrant color, crunch, and plenty of antioxidants.
Plain Greek Yogurt & Mayo: These creamy ingredients balance the tang of the vinegar and spice of the hot honey in the coleslaw dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar & Lime Juice: Both add bright acidity to cut through the richness and bring freshness to the bowl.
Hot Honey: The star of the show – it gives you that perfect sweet-heat punch. Feel free to use regular honey if you prefer mild.
Dijon Mustard & Red Pepper Flakes: They add layers of flavor and subtle heat in the dressing and sauce, making this bowl anything but boring.
Quinoa: This protein-packed grain is a fantastic gluten-free base that’s fluffy and light – cooking it right makes all the difference (trust me on this!).
Cornstarch: A little secret to make roasted sweet potatoes crispier – it’s subtle but so worth it.

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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

I love making this Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe my own by tweaking the spice levels or swapping proteins depending on what’s in my fridge. Plus, it’s perfect for playing with textures and sauces to suit your mood or the season.

Meat Swap: Tried this with salmon and it was delicious — the hot honey glaze worked beautifully with the richness of the fish.
Veggie Boost: Roasting some Brussels sprouts or asparagus on the side amps up the nutrition and adds great flavor contrast.
Heat Factor: If you love spice like I do, add extra red pepper flakes to your hot honey sauce, or go milder by cutting the honey down a bit.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Greek yogurt and mayo in the slaw with avocado or a dairy-free vegan mayo blend for a creamy texture without dairy.

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

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Ingredients Ready

Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—the high heat ensures perfectly roasted chicken and sweet potatoes with that lovely caramelization. While the oven warms, cube your chicken and sweet potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking. I like cutting my sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes—it’s a nice bite-sized chunk that roasts up crisp outside and tender inside.

Step 2: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken cubes in a bowl with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried thyme, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and olive oil. Don’t rush this step—mix it thoroughly to coat every piece. I sometimes let mine rest for 10 minutes so the spices really sink in, but if you’re short on time, a quick toss is fine.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

On one half of the baking sheet, spread your cubed sweet potatoes. Coat them in olive oil, cornstarch (this little trick helps them crisp beautifully), smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Make sure they’re in a single layer to get that perfect roast without steaming.

Step 4: Roast Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Together

Arrange the chicken on the other half of the baking sheet and pop it into the oven for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C). Around 15 minutes in, I like to give the sweet potatoes a little toss to make sure they roast evenly. The scent wafting from the oven at this point is pure heaven!

Step 5: Cook the Quinoa

While everything roasts, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. A little tip I swear by: rinse your quinoa well before cooking to cut down on any bitterness. Fluff with a fork once done and keep warm.

Step 6: Whip Up the Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

Shred the cabbage and carrots to roughly equal sizes for a great mix of textures. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil mayo, apple cider vinegar, hot honey, Dijon mustard, lime juice, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss until everything is well coated. This slaw adds a cool, tangy crunch that perfectly complements the warm roasted items.

Step 7: Make the Hot Honey Mustard Dressing

Whisk together Dijon mustard, hot honey, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil until smooth. This dressing is your flavor bomb, so taste as you go and adjust sweetness or acidity to your liking. I always find myself adding just a touch more honey for balance.

Step 8: Assemble Your Bowls

To build the bowl, start with a fluffy bed of quinoa, then add generous spoonfuls of the purple cabbage coleslaw, roasted sweet potatoes, and hot honey chicken. Drizzle that luscious hot honey mustard sauce on top, and you’re ready to dive in. I love adding a squeeze of fresh lime before serving to brighten everything up.

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

Marinate with Patience: Let the chicken sit with spices for at least 10 minutes if you can, it traps more flavor.
Even Cooking is Key: Spread chicken and sweet potatoes in a single layer to get that perfect roast crispness, avoid overcrowding.
Rinse Your Quinoa: This removes the natural coating that can taste bitter and ensures a fluffy grain every time.
Adjust Your Heat: Taste the hot honey sauce before adding to bowls, and tweak the spice or sweetness for your perfect balance.

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, Spicy Honey Chicken 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 usually finish my bowls with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro—it adds a fresh herbal punch that I adore. Sometimes a few slices of avocado for creaminess, or extra lime wedges on the side to squeeze over. These little touches really elevate the eating experience.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this bowl often stands alone as a full meal, but when I serve sides, I like simple roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad to complement the warm hearty flavors. On cooler days, a light miso soup or broth-based soup pairs perfectly too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive feel, I sometimes serve this in large mason jars layered with quinoa, slaw, and chicken—it makes a colorful, grab-and-go lunch. Or arrange the bowls on a wooden board with all the ingredients separated so guests can build their own bowls, which is always a hit at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers, separating the chicken and sweet potatoes from the slaw to prevent sogginess. The quinoa holds up beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can store the hot honey mustard sauce separately in a small jar to drizzle fresh when ready to eat.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe isn’t my favorite because the slaw can get watery after thawing. However, the chicken and sweet potatoes freeze well individually—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling with fresh slaw and sauce. Great option when planning meals ahead!

Reheating

I reheat leftover chicken and sweet potatoes gently in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or quickly in a skillet to keep the edges crispy. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the chicken rubbery. Add fresh slaw and sauce after reheating to enjoy that fresh crunch and flavor zing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in the Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner cuts, but be mindful to avoid overcooking as it can dry out. Consider marinating a bit longer or adding a small splash of olive oil to keep it moist during roasting.
Is there a substitute for hot honey if I can’t find it?

If hot honey isn’t available, you can mix regular honey with a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to replicate that sweet and spicy flavor. Adjust the heat according to your taste preferences.
Can I make the coleslaw dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the Greek yogurt and mayo for a dairy-free alternative like avocado or vegan mayo. This keeps the creamy texture while accommodating dairy sensitivities or vegan diets.
How spicy is the Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe?

The recipe offers a mild to moderate heat that you can easily adjust. Increasing the cayenne pepper in the marinade or adding more red pepper flakes to the dressing will amp up the spice level, while reducing or omitting them keeps it gentle.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can roast the chicken and sweet potatoes earlier in the day and store them in the fridge. The coleslaw is best made fresh or the morning of to maintain its crunch, but the dressing can be made ahead and stored separately.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly customizable. I love sharing it with friends because it feels like a treat but without the guilt. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and just fun to eat—plus it stores well for busy weeknights. Seriously, give it a try; I bet it’ll become your go-to comfort food that you can feel great about.