Craving a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This Hot Honey Chicken Sweetgreen recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend lunch. It’s a flavour explosion combining the sweetness of honey with a spicy kick, all nestled atop a bed of fresh greens. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas without sacrificing flavor. It's a testament to the magic of homemade cooking, delivering a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game!
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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For the Hot Honey Dressing:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
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For the Sweetgreen:
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 5 oz mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Toasted slivered almonds (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned (about 6-8 minutes).
- Make the Hot Honey Dressing: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until well combined.
- Assemble the Sweetgreen: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken to the salad. Drizzle the hot honey dressing generously over the salad and toss gently to coat. Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will ensure even cooking and browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder dish, use less, or omit it entirely.
- Make it ahead: The hot honey dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Add protein: Grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu would be delicious additions to this salad.
- Change the greens: Use any type of leafy greens you prefer, such as kale, romaine lettuce, or arugula.
- Different cheese: Goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese would also be tasty alternatives to feta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This Hot Honey Chicken Sweetgreen recipe is a delicious and healthy option for a quick and easy meal. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Enjoy!