By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on February 28, 2023 | Last Updated on March 19, 2024
Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an entree, side or appetizer. It’s made with just a few pantry staples and comes together in less than 30 minutes!
The popular Sweetgreen restaurant chain inspired this recipe; however, it can easily be adapted to suit your own tastes by adjusting the spices used.
In this article, we’ll share how to make Sweet green Blackened Chicken and include some tips, nutrition information and what to serve it with. Read on for more!
What is Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken?
Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken is a delicious dish made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts lightly coated in spices and cooked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The herbs in the recipe add a unique flavor and can be customized to your tastes. This name calls it “blackened” because of the dark color that’s created from the spices. And the Sweetgreen into it comes from the Sweetgreen restaurant chain that inspired this recipe.
Want more Chicken Recipes? Check them out!
- Cajun Stuffed Chicken
- Taco Bell Chicken Burrito
- Cape Cod Chicken Salad
- Kirkland Chicken Wings
- Panda Express Bourbon Chicken
- Cava Grill Chicken
- Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher
What does it taste like?
The spice blend used to make this blackened chicken gives it a smoky, slightly spicy flavor without being too hot. The balsamic vinegar also adds a slight sweetness to the dish.
The herbs and spices used in this recipe are easy to customize, making it adaptable to your own flavor preferences. We suggest experimenting with different combinations of herbs and spices until you find the version that you love!
How did I first get introduced to This Dish?
I first experienced blackened chicken sweetgreen while dining at one of their restaurants. I instantly fell in love with the flavor and texture of this dish! The spices used to make it were so flavorful and the chicken was cooked perfectly. Sweetgreen restaurant inspired me to recreate the dish at home.
How to make Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken?
Making this dish is simple and straightforward. Simply mix the spices, season your chicken pieces, then pan-fry them until cooked through. Just follow the steps below.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: This is the star of the show and the main protein source in Sweetgreen’s blackened chicken recipe. Chicken thighs are used because they have a higher fat content compared to chicken breasts, which helps keep them moist and juicy during cooking.
- Black pepper: A common spice used in a variety of dishes, black pepper adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor to the chicken.
- Cayenne pepper: This ingredient brings the heat to the blackened chicken recipe. It is commonly used in Cajun cuisine and gives a spicy kick to any dish.
- Cumin: An aromatic spice that adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor to the chicken. It is commonly used in Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Balsamic vinegar: This ingredient may seem out of place in a chicken recipe, but it adds a tangy sweetness that helps balance out the spice of the blackened chicken.
- Salt: An essential seasoning in any dish, salt not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also helps tenderize it.
- Chili powder: A blend of spices that typically includes chili peppers, cumin, oregano, and garlic. It adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the blackened chicken.
- Coriander: Also known as cilantro, this herb is used in both the marinade and garnish for the blackened chicken. It adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to balance out the spice.
- Oil: Used to coat the chicken before cooking, oil helps prevent sticking and adds moisture to the dish.
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2
Mix cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, cumin, coriander, and chili powder in a small bowl.
Step 3
Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Brush with oil and sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken pieces. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
Step 4
Bake for 25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached when tested with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of each piece of meat.
Step 5
Serve hot with rice and/or vegetables as desired.
Tips
• If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with white or red wine vinegar.
• Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is important for food safety and avoiding illness.
• If you want to make this dish spicier, add more cayenne pepper.
Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 stove
- 1 Oven
- 1 cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper powder
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp plain chili powder
- ½ tbsp Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp roasted and ground coriander
- 1 tbsp White Balsamic Vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, cumin, coriander, and chili powder in a small bowl.
- Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Brush with oil and sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken pieces. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached when tested with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of each piece of meat.
- Serve hot with rice and/or vegetables as desired.
Notes
nutrition Information
Serving size: One thigh
Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 15g (19% DV)
Carbohydrates: 0g (0% DV)
Protein: 30g (60% DV)
What to serve with Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken?
This dish goes great when served with a side of rice and vegetables. Roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, and sautéed spinach are all great options. For a heartier meal, add some beans or cooked quinoa. It can also be served as an appetizer when cut into small pieces and served with a dipping sauce.
How to store leftover Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken?
You can store leftover chicken can in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 15 minutes.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, as long as the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of each piece of meat. That being said, it is always best to consult your doctor before eating any foods while pregnant.
FAQs
What spices are used in this Chicken Recipe?
The spice blend used for this dish includes cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, cumin, coriander and chili powder.
What temperature should the chicken be cooked to?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of each piece of meat.
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts or other cuts of chicken in place of the thighs.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the chicken thighs with other cuts of meat?
Yes, you can use any chicken cut such as breasts or drumsticks. The cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Wrapping Up
Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners! It’s packed with spices and balsamic vinegar for added flavor, and it goes great when served over rice or vegetables.
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free which makes it an excellent choice for those on special diets! Try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for something delicious yet healthy.
Thanks for reading this guide on how to make Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken! We hope you found it helpful. Have a great day! Please share your thoughts in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.
Please share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Happy Cooking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
