Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl (Healthy Copycat Recipe)

This Crispy Rice Bowl is a healthy and flavorful take on Sweetgreen’s popular dish. Featuring perfectly seasoned blackened chicken, crispy rice, fresh vegetables, and a zesty spicy cashew dressing, it’s an irresistible and nourishing meal you can enjoy at home for a fraction of the price.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced Meal: Packed with protein, whole grains, and fresh veggies.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add more veggies, or switch the protein.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Restaurant-Quality: Enjoy a gourmet meal without leaving your home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Blackened Chicken:

• 1 chicken breast, sliced in half lengthwise
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp thyme
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ⅛ tsp oregano
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• ⅛ tsp salt

Spicy Cashew Dressing:

• ¼ cup cashew butter
• 1 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional; reduce for less spice)
• ½ tbsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp ginger, grated or minced
• ¼ tsp salt

Crispy Rice Bowl:

• ½ cup puffed rice cereal
• 1½ cups wild rice, cooked
• 5 oz arugula
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• ½ cucumber, chopped into ½-inch pieces
• ¼ bunch cilantro, stems removed and roughly chopped
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• ½ lime

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Blackened Chicken

1. Mix the paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
2. Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create two thin pieces. Rub the chicken with the spice mixture, coating evenly.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for approximately 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil for 10 minutes. Save the pan and any leftover oil for the crispy rice.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Cashew Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cashew butter, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, water, crushed red pepper flakes, sesame oil, ginger, and salt.
2. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Crispy Rice

1. Heat the pan with the leftover oil and seasonings over medium heat. Add the puffed rice cereal and stir occasionally until the cereal is crispy, about 3–5 minutes.
2. Add 1–2 tsp more oil if necessary to coat the rice evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Crispy Rice Bowl

1. In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, layer the arugula, cooked wild rice, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, cilantro, and slivered almonds.
2. Slice the blackened chicken and arrange it on top of the bowl.
3. Drizzle with the spicy cashew dressing and squeeze fresh lime over everything.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas.
• Grain-Free: Skip the wild rice and add extra vegetables or cauliflower rice.
• Nut-Free Dressing: Use sunflower seed butter instead of cashew butter.
• Extra Crunch: Top with toasted sesame seeds or crispy onions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice on the stovetop or in the microwave. Assemble the salad just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different grain instead of wild rice?

Yes, quinoa, brown rice, or farro work well as substitutes.

2. How spicy is the dressing?

The dressing has a kick from the crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving for freshness.

4. What’s a good substitute for cashew butter?

Almond butter or tahini can be used as an alternative.

5. Is there a way to make the chicken less spicy?

Omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount in the spice rub.

6. Can I skip the puffed rice cereal?

Yes, but it adds a delightful crunch to the dish. You can substitute with toasted nuts or seeds.

7. What vegetables can I add?

Avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, or cherry tomatoes are excellent additions.

8. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it?

Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor and works perfectly with the spice rub.

9. How do I store leftover dressing?

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before using.

10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken can save time.

Conclusion

The Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to make at home. With its combination of blackened chicken, crispy rice, fresh veggies, and a spicy cashew dressing, it’s a flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Try this copycat recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen!

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