Buffalo Chicken Bowl from Sweetgreen features tender, spicy buffalo chicken served over a bed of fresh mixed greens, crisp celery, and creamy blue cheese crumbles, all drizzled with tangy ranch dressing for a bold and refreshing flavor experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (if baking chicken) or skillet (if pan-cooking)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Salad spinner (optional, for drying greens)
- Serving bowls
- Spoon or ladle (for drizzling dressing)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 2 stalks celery
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures the buffalo chicken remains tender and cooks evenly. Fresh mixed greens should be thoroughly washed and dried, ideally with a salad spinner, to maintain crispness under the warm chicken. Celery adds a crunchy texture, so choose firm stalks without blemishes. Blue cheese crumbles provide creamy sharpness but adjust the amount based on your preference for tanginess. You can recreate the Buffalo Chicken Bowl from Sweetgreen with these key ingredients to enjoy a bold and refreshing flavor experience at home.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking chicken or heat skillet over medium-high heat if pan-cooking.
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss chicken pieces with buffalo sauce in a mixing bowl to coat evenly.
- Arrange chicken pieces on a baking sheet or place in skillet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or cook in skillet until chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy.
- Wash and dry mixed greens using a salad spinner if desired.
- Thinly slice celery stalks using chef's knife and cutting board.
- In serving bowls, add a base layer of mixed greens.
- Top greens with cooked buffalo chicken.
- Add sliced celery over chicken and greens.
- Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles evenly on top.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the bowl with a spoon or ladle.
- Serve immediately with tongs or fork.
Substitution
The Buffalo Chicken Bowl from Sweetgreen copycat menu offers a vibrant combination of tender buffalo chicken paired with fresh mixed greens, crunchy celery, and tangy blue cheese crumbles. If you can't find buffalo sauce, hot sauce mixed with melted butter serves as an effective substitute to achieve that signature spicy flavor. When cooking the chicken, opting for a skillet allows better control over the cooking process, especially if you prefer a crispy exterior. Use celery leaves for added freshness and texture if you want to enhance the crunch beyond the stalks. Your ranch dressing can be replaced with a Greek yogurt-based alternative or blue cheese dressing for a different but equally creamy taste.
Tips
Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with buffalo sauce for a consistent spicy flavor throughout the dish. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165degF (74degC) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Drying the mixed greens thoroughly with a salad spinner prevents the dressing from becoming watery and keeps the bowl crisp. When slicing celery, aim for uniform pieces to maintain an even texture contrast in your Buffalo Chicken Bowl.
Nutritions
The Buffalo Chicken Bowl from Sweetgreen provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and fats, featuring 1 lb of chicken breast as a lean protein source essential for muscle repair. Your meal includes 6 cups of mixed greens and celery, contributing dietary fiber and essential vitamins like A and K for digestive health. Blue cheese crumbles add calcium and healthy fats, while the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing offer flavor with moderate sodium content. This bowl is a nutrient-rich option ideal for maintaining energy and satiety throughout the day.
Storage
Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Bowls in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup. Keep chicken separate from mixed greens and dressing to avoid sogginess, refrigerating components at 40degF (4degC) or below. When reheating, warm the buffalo chicken thoroughly while serving greens and dressing chilled for optimal texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap buffalo sauce for a smoky chipotle sauce to give the chicken a deeper, smoky flavor. Instead of blue cheese crumbles, try feta cheese or goat cheese for a milder and creamier texture. For a healthier twist, consider grilling the chicken instead of baking or pan-cooking to reduce oil use while retaining juiciness. Adding sliced avocado or shredded carrots can boost the nutritional profile and add a pleasing contrast in texture.
Allergies
The Buffalo Chicken Bowl contains common allergens such as dairy from blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Celery and buffalo sauce ingredients can also cause sensitivities or allergic responses in some people. You should carefully review all ingredient labels and consult with an allergist if you have any known food allergies before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Sweetgreen's Buffalo Chicken Bowl is popular for its perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce, tender grilled chicken, and fresh, crisp greens that provide a flavorful yet healthy meal option. The blend of protein, crunchy vegetables, and zesty dressing delivers both nutrition and bold taste, making it a satisfying choice for health-conscious diners. You can recreate this dish at home to customize ingredients, control spice levels, and enjoy a fresh, restaurant-quality meal without the wait. Making a copycat version is worth trying for anyone who loves vibrant flavors and nutritious, high-protein salads that fuel an active lifestyle.