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 (~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· 4.7 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but still keeps things on the healthier side, you’re going to adore this Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I love making because it’s fresh, vibrant, and satisfying without being heavy. Trust me, once you get a taste of that perfectly roasted chicken with a touch of smoky spice, paired with sweet potatoes, tangy cabbage coleslaw, and a zingy hot honey mustard dressing, you’ll be hooked—and it’s so easy to whip up!

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance: Sweet, spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors all come together for a mouthwatering bowl that never feels bland or heavy.
Nutritious Ingredients: Featuring lean chicken, fiber-rich quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and nutrient-packed cabbage coleslaw, it’s a well-rounded meal.
Simple Prep: Uses pantry-friendly spices and minimal chopping, making it manageable even on busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easy to tweak based on your spice tolerance or what veggies you have on hand.

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, Sweetgreen Copycat Bowls, healthy chicken bowls, flavorful nutritious 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

Every ingredient in this Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to create a nourishing but indulgent bowl — plus, the spice blends and dressings add zest without fuss.

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, Sweetgreen Copycat Bowls, healthy chicken bowls, 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

Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender, but breasts work if you want leaner protein.
Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken and hot honey drizzle.
Spices (garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne): Together they create a smoky, spicy, and aromatic chicken seasoning.
Extra virgin olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps crisp up the chicken and roast the sweet potatoes perfectly.
Purple cabbage & carrots: Add freshness, crunch, and vibrant color, plus they soak up the creamy, tangy dressing.
Greek yogurt & mayo: These make the coleslaw creamy but keep it light and tangy.
Hot honey & Dijon mustard: The sweet heat from the hot honey paired with sharp mustard gives the bowls that signature Sweetgreen-inspired kick.
Quinoa: A protein-packed, fluffy grain that rounds out the bowl with extra texture and nutrition.

📝

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 easily you can make it your own. I’ve tried loads of variations depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood—and sometimes a little tweak can totally transform the experience.

Variation: If you want to kick the heat up, add more cayenne to your chicken and extra red pepper flakes to the dressing—I do this when I’m craving spicy comfort food!
Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas seasoned with the same spice blend.
Seasonal switch: Try swapping sweet potatoes for butternut squash or roasted delicata squash in the fall for a twist.
Grain swap: Use brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice if you prefer a different base than quinoa.

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

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C)—it’s key to get that roasting temperature right so everything cooks evenly and crisps up. While it warms, cube your chicken and sweet potatoes into roughly bite-sized pieces—around 1-inch chunks usually work best. Toss the chicken with all the spices (garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper) and olive oil in a big bowl. I find mixing by hand helps you feel when every piece is evenly coated. The sweet potatoes get a similar treatment but with a touch of cornstarch added for crispiness, plus olive oil and spices. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, chicken on one side, sweet potatoes on the other. Don’t crowd the pan; if needed, use two sheets. Pop this in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

While your chicken and sweet potatoes roast, let’s get the quinoa going—it’s a great time-saver. Rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa under cold water to remove its natural bitterness, then cook it according to the package (usually about 15 minutes simmering in double the volume of water). Fluff it with a fork once done and keep it warm. Pro tip: Adding a pinch of salt or a small bay leaf while cooking can enhance flavor.

Step 3: Make the Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

While everything’s cooking, shred your purple cabbage and carrots—or grab pre-shredded from the store to save time (don’t judge me, I do it too!). In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayo, apple cider vinegar, hot honey, Dijon mustard, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk that dressing really well until smooth, then toss in the cabbage and carrots. Give it a good mix so everything is coated. This slaw adds such satisfying crunch and a cool tang that balances the heat beautifully.

Step 4: Whisk the Hot Honey Mustard Dressing

Keep the flavor rolling by mixing the hot honey mustard dressing in a small bowl or mason jar. Combine Dijon mustard, hot honey, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt and freshly ground pepper, then slowly whisk in the olive oil until creamy and smooth. If you want a punchier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. This is what really ties the bowl together!

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Time for the fun part! Scoop quinoa into each bowl first, then layer on the cabbage coleslaw, roasted sweet potatoes, and that perfectly seasoned chicken. Drizzle the hot honey mustard dressing generously on top. I like to add a few lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Dig in and enjoy that perfect Sweetgreen-inspired balance at home.

💡

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

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Coating the sweet potatoes with cornstarch before roasting makes them crispy outside and tender inside every time.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid drying out your chicken, check it hits 165°F internally—juicy chicken tips are gold!
Evenly Sized Veggies: Chop your cabbage and carrots to similar sizes so they dress evenly and have consistent crunch.
Layer Flavors: Season every component well rather than relying on the sauce alone; it makes the difference between ‘meh’ and amazing.

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 bowls, 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 love topping my bowls with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for brightness. Toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds add a great crunch, and a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes brings some spice fire if you like. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating brightens all the flavors.

Side Dishes

I usually keep sides simple—maybe a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli dressed with olive oil and lemon. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a light cucumber and tomato salad work beautifully, too. This bowl is so filling, you actually don’t need much on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party or meal prep packed lunch, serve these bowls mason jar style layering ingredients so they stay fresh and you can grab-and-go. Or turn it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist, using large romaine leaves to wrap the chicken, slaw, and drizzle of hot honey sauce—so good!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep everything fresh. This also lets me reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes without wilting the slaw. Using separate containers really prolongs the quality for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to prep in bulk, the chicken and sweet potatoes freeze beautifully—just cool completely, then freeze in a sturdy container or freezer bag. I don’t recommend freezing the slaw since it gets watery, so make fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to bring back crispiness. Microwave works too, but you’ll lose that slightly roasted texture. Keep the quinoa warm by reheating gently with a splash of water. Add fresh coleslaw and dressing after reheating.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and will work fine, but keep an eye on them while roasting as they tend to dry out faster than thighs. Using a meat thermometer and removing chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F helps keep it juicy.
What if I don’t have hot honey—can I use regular honey?

You can totally swap regular honey for hot honey, but you’ll want to add some heat separately—try a pinch of cayenne powder or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing to mimic that spicy-sweet flavor.
Is quinoa the only grain that works in this recipe?

Not at all! Quinoa is nutritious and cooks relatively fast, but you can substitute it with brown rice, farro, bulgur, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Can I make the coleslaw dressing vegan?

Yes! Swap out the Greek yogurt and mayo for plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo or coconut yogurt, and the rest of the ingredients stay the same. It’s still creamy and tangy that way.
How long do leftovers last?

When stored properly in separate airtight containers, leftovers should stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just keep the coleslaw separate from the warm ingredients to retain crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) Recipe enough if you want a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. I often make a batch on Sundays to enjoy quick lunches throughout the week—knowing a bowl packed with vibrant veggies, perfectly spiced chicken, and that addictive hot honey dressing awaits makes meal prep something to look forward to. Give it a shot, and I’m betting it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine!