Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken thigh, glazed with a tantalizing hot honey that makes your taste buds dance with excitement. This Sweetgreen-inspired hot honey chicken plate is about to become your new obsession - a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily create in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to save money, impress your dinner guests, or simply treat yourself to a gourmet experience, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup hot honey
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, drizzle half of the hot honey over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize and create a glossy glaze.
- Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- While chicken rests, prepare the salad base by mixing mixed greens in a large serving bowl.
- Slice the rested chicken thighs into diagonal strips.
- Arrange sliced chicken on top of the mixed greens.
- Garnish with sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle remaining hot honey over the entire dish as a final dressing.
- Serve immediately while chicken is still warm and enjoy your Sweetgreen-inspired hot honey chicken plate.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure the crispiest skin possible.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the most even heat distribution and perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't rush the cooking process - allow the chicken skin to develop a crispy texture slowly over medium-high heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Choose a high-quality hot honey for the best flavor - or make your own by mixing honey with your favorite hot sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some of the hot honey for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer less heat, you can use regular honey or adjust the amount of hot honey to suit your taste.
- The salad components can be easily swapped or customized to match your preferences.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the chicken while it's still warm and the honey glaze is at its most delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
