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!
PrintChicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl – A Hearty and Nourishing Meal!
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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