Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken Recipe

Sweetgreen’s blackened chicken recipe has captured the hearts and taste buds of health-conscious food lovers everywhere.

Known for its smoky, mildly spicy flavor and versatile array of herbs and spices, this dish strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and irresistible taste.

As a fan of Sweetgreen, you may be eager to bring their blackened chicken’s magic into your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll be sharing a rendition of that beloved Sweetgreen blackened chicken recipe.

You’ll find that this dish is easy to customize to your personal flavor preferences and simple enough to become part of your regular meal rotation.

So, strap on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to discover why Sweetgreen’s blackened chicken has become a fan favorite.

How to Make Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken

Ingredients List

For this flavorful dish, you will need:

• Skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces, about 6-8 ounces each)
• Avocado oil spray (or olive oil spray)
• Blackening seasoning (recipe below)

For the Blackening Seasoning, you’ll need the following exquisite spice combination:

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tbsp coriander
• 1/2 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Prepare the seasoning mixture:

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, black pepper, and salt.

Mix well to create your blackening seasoning.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken:

First, pat the skinless chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.

This will ensure that the seasoning sticks appropriately to the chicken.

Then, spray the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with avocado oil spray.

Step 3: Season the chicken:

Generously apply the blackening seasoning to both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are completely covered.

Make sure to press the seasoning mixture onto the chicken so that it adheres well.

Step 4: Heat your cast-iron skillet:

Place your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and wait for the skillet to become hot.

This is important for achieving that perfect blackened crust.

Step 5: Cook the chicken:

Add the seasoned chicken breasts once the skillet is hot.

Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Now, you have successfully created a delicious and healthy Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken dish using simple ingredients and an exquisite spice combination.

Remember to let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving, as this will help retain its natural juices.

Enjoy your flavorful Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken!

Side Dishes for Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken

When enjoying a delicious Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken, you may wonder what sides will further elevate the dish.

Here are some side dishes you can consider pairing with your blackened chicken to make your meal even more delicious and wholesome:

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish for Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken.

Their natural sweetness complements the spicy flavors of the blackened chicken.

To prepare them, simply dice sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, toss in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Roast in a 425°F oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

Feta Cheese and Cherry Tomato Salad

A simple and refreshing salad featuring feta cheese and cherry tomatoes adds a lightness to your meal.

The rich, tangy feta cheese balances well with the juicy sweet cherry tomatoes.

To make this salad, mix halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and some freshly ground black pepper.

Wild Rice and Brown Rice Salad

Incorporating a wild and brown rice salad as a side dish brings wholesome grains and a flavorful blend of textures to your meal.

To make this salad, cook wild and brown rice separately and then combine.

Add in some diced red pepper, green onions, and chopped parsley.

Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Sweetgreen blackened chicken, you may need to substitute some ingredients depending on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

Here are some alternatives for key ingredients in the recipe:

Pepper

You can substitute ground black pepper with white pepper, which has a milder flavor.

If you’re after the slight heat of black pepper, you can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Remember that these alternatives may affect the dish’s overall taste.

Onion 

If onion powder is unavailable, you can substitute it with 2-3 tablespoons of grated or finely minced onion or ½ teaspoon of onion granules.

You may also use onion salt as a substitute, but reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe by ½ tablespoon.

How to Store Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken

Storing your leftover Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken properly ensures that it remains fresh and safe to eat.

To help you with this, below is a list of the main storage methods to choose from, depending on your needs.

Refrigerating Leftover Chicken

You can keep your cooked Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Simply wrap the chicken in foil or place it in an airtight container before storing it in the fridge.

This is perfect for meal prep options or as a quick and easy dinner solution on busy weekdays.

Freezing

For an even longer meal prep option, consider freezing your Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken.

This is an excellent way to save time and resources while ensuring that you always have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go.

Once properly sealed in a freezer bag or an airtight container, your chicken can last for up to three months in the freezer.

Remember, when storing your Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken, choose the most appropriate method according to your needs.

With proper storage, you can enjoy tasty and healthy chicken dishes whenever you want.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Sweetgreen Blackened Chicken.

Not Using Medium Heat

One common mistake while preparing Sweetgreen blackened chicken is not using medium heat for cooking.

Cooking the chicken at too high or too low of a temperature can result in uneven cooking, causing the chicken to be overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.

Use medium heat to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.

Inaccurate Spice Blend

Another mistake to watch out for is using an inaccurate spice blend.

The key to a delicious Sweetgreen blackened chicken lies in the combination of herbs and spices that make up the blackened seasoning.

Be sure to follow the recipe closely and adjust your seasoning as needed according to your taste preferences.

Rushing the Cooking Process

Rushing the cooking process can lead to disappointing results.

Take your time during each step of the recipe, ensuring to coat the chicken with the spice blend adequately, preheat the skillet, and cook the chicken evenly on both sides.

Patience is vital in achieving the perfect blackened chicken.

Cooking for Too Long or Too Short

Lastly, cooking the chicken for the wrong duration can affect its taste and texture.

Generally, blackened chicken should be cooked for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooked or undercooked chicken and ensure a perfectly cooked dish.