Amazing Copycat Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl is the perfect way to recreate your favorite fast-casual meal at home with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. This vibrant grain bowl combines crispy golden rice, tender seasoned chicken, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and a tangy homemade dressing for a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. If you love building nourishing bowls packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Amazing Copycat Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl
This bowl delivers everything you want in one balanced meal. First, the crispy rice adds a delightful crunch that makes every bite interesting and satisfying. The seasoned chicken is juicy and flavorful, pairing beautifully with the fresh vegetables. The creamy dressing ties everything together with a bright, slightly sweet tang. It is also highly customizable, making it perfect for meal prep or family dinners. Best of all, you can control the ingredients, portions, and freshness when making it at home.
Ingredients for Amazing Copycat Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl
For the Crispy Rice
2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
For the Chicken
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl Base
3 cups mixed greens or arugula
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced cucumbers
1 avocado, sliced
For the Creamy Dressing
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
Using day-old rice is key for achieving crispy texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and may steam instead of crisping. You can substitute brown rice or jasmine rice if preferred. For a dairy-free option, swap the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or a light mayonnaise. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas, baked tofu, or seasoned mushrooms for a hearty alternative. The honey in the dressing can be replaced with maple syrup for a refined sugar–free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Crispy Rice
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spread the cooked rice evenly in the pan and gently press it down with a spatula to form a flat layer. Sprinkle with salt. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes until the bottom becomes golden and crispy. Flip sections carefully and cook for another 5 minutes to add extra crunch. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken
While the rice is crisping, pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked and golden on the outside. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Step 3 – Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The dressing should be creamy, slightly tangy, and lightly sweet.
Step 4 – Assemble the Bowl
Start with a base of mixed greens in each bowl. Add shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and sliced avocado. Top with sliced chicken and a generous scoop of crispy rice. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top and serve immediately for the best texture.
Pro Tips for Success
Use medium heat when crisping rice to avoid burning the bottom before it turns golden. Pressing the rice firmly into the pan helps it develop that signature crunchy layer. Let the chicken rest before slicing to preserve moisture. Slice vegetables thinly for better texture balance. Assemble just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp. Double the dressing if you love extra sauce.
Flavor Variations
Add a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy twist. Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the greens for added brightness. Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or roasted salmon for a seafood variation. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top for extra crunch. Stir a spoonful of pesto into the dressing for a fresh herb flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bowl as a complete lunch or light dinner. Pair it with sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber for a refreshing drink option. It also works beautifully as a build-your-own bowl bar for family meals, allowing everyone to customize their toppings. For entertaining, prepare components in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain texture.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar and stir before using. Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet to restore texture. Avoid freezing the assembled bowl, as fresh vegetables and dressing do not thaw well. Cooked chicken and rice can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
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Amazing Copycat Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Amazing Copycat Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl is the perfect way to recreate your favorite fast-casual meal at home with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures. This vibrant grain bowl combines crispy golden rice, tender seasoned chicken, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and a tangy homemade dressing for a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt (for rice)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (for chicken)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups mixed greens or arugula
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly in the pan and press it down into a flat layer.
- Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip sections and cook another 5 minutes for extra crunch, then set aside.
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Place mixed greens in serving bowls.
- Add cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and sliced avocado.
- Top with sliced chicken and crispy rice.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
Use day-old rice for best crispiness. Press rice firmly into the pan and avoid stirring too soon. Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Store components separately for meal prep and assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbs | 48g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
FAQ About Amazing Copycat Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well and adds a slightly nutty flavor along with extra fiber. Make sure it is fully cooked and cooled before crisping. Brown rice may take a little longer to become crispy because it holds more moisture.
How do I make the rice extra crispy?
Use day-old rice and avoid stirring it too soon. Press it firmly into the pan and allow it to cook undisturbed. Cooking on medium heat ensures it crisps without burning. You can also finish it under the broiler for a minute for added crunch.
Can I meal prep this bowl?
Absolutely. Prepare the chicken, rice, vegetables, and dressing separately. Store them in containers and assemble when ready to eat. Keeping ingredients separate prevents soggy greens and maintains texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels on mustard and yogurt to ensure no hidden additives. This bowl is naturally balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
What other proteins can I use?
Grilled shrimp, baked tofu, roasted chickpeas, or sliced steak all work well. Choose a protein that complements the creamy dressing and crispy rice. Season generously for maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Amazing Copycat Sweetgreen Crispy Rice Bowl brings restaurant-quality flavor into your own kitchen with simple, fresh ingredients. The combination of crispy rice, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing creates a satisfying and nourishing meal that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving dinner to family, this bowl delivers balanced flavor and texture in every bite. Once you try it homemade, you may never need takeout again.