Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl – A Hearty and Nourishing Meal! | CookedByAndy

Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl – A Hearty and Nourishing Meal!

When you need a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s both easy and flavorful, this chicken and sweet potato rice bowl is the perfect choice. Packed with protein, fiber, and a balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Balanced and nutritious – A perfect mix of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
  • Easy to customize – Swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Meal prep friendly – Make ahead for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
  • Deliciously satisfying – Sweet and savory flavors blend beautifully in every bite.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Spinach or kale
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Honey
  • Spices (paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper)

Full list of ingredients and measurements below.

Directions

Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and paprika, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little cumin. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant, then stir in spinach or kale. Cook for a couple of minutes until wilted.

Prepare the Sauce

Mix soy sauce, honey, and a splash of water in a small bowl. Pour over the cooked chicken slices and let it simmer for a minute to absorb the flavors.

Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of cooked rice, then top with roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed veggies, and sliced chicken. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Dice sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Use pre-cooked rice for an even quicker meal.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
  • Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
  • Add avocado or nuts for extra healthy fats.
  • Try a spicy version by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

  • Serve with a fresh green salad on the side.
  • Pair with a citrusy vinaigrette for added brightness.
  • Enjoy with a warm cup of green tea or a light white wine.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
  • For best texture, keep the sauce separate and drizzle it over before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This meal is perfect for meal prep—just store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! Try ground turkey, salmon, or even a fried egg on top.

How do I keep the sweet potatoes from getting mushy? Roast them at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan for the best texture.

Can I freeze this dish? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes separately for up to a month.

Conclusion

This chicken and sweet potato rice bowl is a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this dish has you covered. Try it out and let me know how you make it your own!

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Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl – A Hearty and Nourishing Meal!

Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl – A Hearty and Nourishing Meal!

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This Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl combines tender chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed greens over a bed of rice, all drizzled with a savory honey-soy sauce. It’s a balanced meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.

  • Author: Touria Elkoudssi
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting and Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin. In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and water. Pour over the sliced chicken in the skillet and let it simmer for a minute to absorb the flavors.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: Place cooked rice in bowls, top with roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed veggies, and sliced chicken. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
  • Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • Add avocado slices or a sprinkle of nuts for extra healthy fats.
  • Adjust the seasoning and sauce to taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 274mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
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