Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

The Hearty Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe You’ll Love

One bite of this chicken and sweet potato rice bowl transports you to a world of vibrant flavors and comforting textures.

Culinary magic happens when tender chicken meets creamy sweet potatoes nestled on a bed of fluffy rice.

Hearty ingredients create a balanced meal that satisfies without feeling heavy.

Seasonal spices dance across each forkful, bringing warmth and depth to every ingredient.

Nutrient-packed components make this dish both delicious and nourishing for anyone seeking a quick yet satisfying meal.

Colorful and inviting, this rice bowl promises to become a regular favorite in your cooking rotation.

Discover how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dining experience that delights the senses.

Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl That Feels Nourishing

  • Quickly Prep Weeknight Wonder: Lightning-fast recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse Combo: Packed with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, and fiber-rich vegetables, delivering a balanced and wholesome dining experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing simple swaps like quinoa instead of rice, tofu for chicken, or adding different seasonal vegetables to match personal taste preferences.
  • One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cooking equipment required, with straightforward roasting and sautéing techniques that make cleanup a breeze and reduce kitchen stress.

Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Components

Main Ingredients:

Base Ingredients:
  • Rice: Fluffy and hearty base for the bowl, white or brown rice works well.
  • Chicken: Protein-packed main ingredient, boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
Roasted Vegetables:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, choose firm and bright orange potatoes.
  • Broccoli: Provides crisp texture and green nutrients, fresh and firm florets preferred.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Adds fresh burst of flavor, ripe and firm tomatoes work best.
Flavor and Topping Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with roasting and cooking, extra virgin recommended.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances savory chicken flavor, choose high-quality ground garlic.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and smoky flavor to chicken, choose authentic Spanish paprika.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning for balanced taste.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm note to sweet potatoes.
Dressing and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for tangy dressing, full-fat version recommended.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity to dressing.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness to dressing.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and complexity to dressing.
  • Avocado: Creamy topping with healthy fats.
  • Feta Cheese: Optional tangy cheese topping.
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Method

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potato Roasting

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Grab your sweet potatoes and dice them into bite-sized cubes.

Toss the cubes with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon

Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispy edges.

Step 2: Cook Flavorful Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken cubes seasoned with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and cooks completely through, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard

Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Bowl

Layer cooked rice in serving bowls.

Top with:
  • Prepared chicken
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Cherry tomatoes

Step 5: Final Garnish and Serving

Sprinkle the bowl with:
  • Sliced avocado
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Sesame seeds

Drizzle the prepared creamy dressing over the top and serve immediately.

Sweet Potato Chicken Bowl Pro Suggestions

  • Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and crispy edges every time.
  • Marinate chicken in the spice mix for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness of the meat.
  • Adjust yogurt dressing thickness by adding a splash of water or olive oil if you prefer a lighter, more drizzleable texture.
  • Cook extra chicken, sweet potatoes, and rice to create quick lunches throughout the week, storing components separately in airtight containers.
  • Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu, seasoned with same spices for a protein-packed plant-based alternative that maintains the bowl's delicious flavor profile.

Sweet Potato Rice Bowls That Keep It Balanced

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping components separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Let ingredients reach room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerated chicken, rice, and vegetables will stay fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored in the fridge.
  • Warm rice and chicken in the microwave with a damp paper towel, stirring midway to ensure even heating, or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture.

What Goes With Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Zesty Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this sweet and savory chicken bowl, cutting through the richness while complementing the bright yogurt dressing.
  • Craft Fresh Sides: Crisp cucumber salad with mint provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spiced chicken and sweet roasted potatoes.
  • Balance Textures: Toasted almond slivers sprinkled on top add delightful crunch and nutty depth that enhances the bowl's varied textures and earthy flavors.
  • Refresh with Herbal Notes: Sparkling mint-infused water cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the dish's complex seasoning and lightening the overall meal experience.

Chicken Rice Bowl Versions

  • Vegan Veggie Bowl: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh, swap Greek yogurt dressing with tahini-based sauce, use nutritional yeast instead of feta cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure rice is certified gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, verify all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, reduce honey in dressing, add extra protein like grilled shrimp or additional chicken.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add kalamata olives, swap broccoli for roasted red peppers, use za'atar seasoning on chicken, include cucumber and fresh herbs like parsley.

FAQs

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean chicken breast, whole grain rice, and load up on extra vegetables like broccoli and tomatoes. The Greek yogurt dressing is already a lighter alternative to mayonnaise-based sauces.

  • Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Swap chicken with tofu, grilled shrimp, or black beans for vegetarian or alternative protein options. Adjust cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this bowl is perfect for meal prep. Cook ingredients in advance, store separately in containers, and assemble when ready to eat. The components stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

  • How can I add more flavor to the dish?

Experiment with different spices like cumin, chili powder, or za’atar on the chicken and sweet potatoes. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also boost the overall taste profile.

Print
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Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary adventure in this soul-warming chicken and sweet potato rice bowl, crafted to delight palates with rich, harmonious flavors. Home cooks craving a balanced meal will savor each spoonful of this nutritious and satisfying dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

Vegetables and Starch:

  • 1 medium sweet potato (peeled & diced)
  • 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/4 cup avocado (diced)

Seasonings, Rice, and Additional Components:

  • 2 cups cooked brown or jasmine rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sweet potatoes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon feta cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Dressing (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for even roasting of sweet potatoes.
  2. Cube sweet potatoes into uniform pieces, toss with olive oil, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to enhance natural flavors.
  3. Spread sweet potato cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to achieve crispy edges.
  4. Roast sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes, gently turning them midway through cooking to ensure golden caramelization on all sides.
  5. While sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for preparing the chicken.
  6. Season chicken cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a robust and aromatic flavor profile.
  7. Sauté chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through.
  8. Prepare the creamy yogurt dressing by whisking Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
  9. Layer cooked rice as the base in serving bowls, creating a foundation for the remaining ingredients.
  10. Arrange roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned chicken, steamed broccoli, and halved cherry tomatoes over the rice.
  11. Garnish with sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
  12. Finish by drizzling the prepared yogurt dressing generously over the bowl just before serving.

Notes

  • Prep sweet potatoes in advance by cutting into uniform cubes to ensure even roasting and consistent caramelization.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Create dairy-free version by substituting Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or tahini-based dressing for similar creamy texture.
  • Customize protein options by replacing chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for vegetarian and plant-based alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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