Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe

This Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowl is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines tender, well-seasoned chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, creating a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

The warm spices, fresh herbs, and crunchy sesame seeds enhance the dish, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

This recipe is a great choice for a healthy, high-protein meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Whether you enjoy it on its own, over a bed of greens, or served with a grain like quinoa or brown rice, this dish is incredibly versatile.

You can also adjust the spices and toppings to suit your taste, adding a touch of heat with extra chili flakes or a bit of creaminess with a drizzle of tahini or yogurt dressing.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Sweet Potatoes:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, enhances sweetness)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish & Extra Flavor:

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or rosemary
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into small, evenly-sized cubes to help them roast uniformly. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and black pepper, making sure they are well coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.

Place the tray in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and slightly caramelized on the edges. If you prefer extra crispiness, leave them in the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to burn them.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden-brown sear, then flip and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and toss to coat, allowing the seeds to toast slightly and enhance the flavor. Remove from heat once fully cooked.

3. Assemble the Bowl

Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting and the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to put everything together. In individual serving bowls or a large dish, arrange the roasted sweet potatoes alongside the chicken. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary, additional sesame seeds, and chili flakes for a bit of spice. If you’d like, you can also drizzle with a sauce such as honey mustard, tahini, or balsamic glaze to add another layer of flavor.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm as a standalone dish or pair it with additional elements like quinoa, brown rice, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables to create a heartier meal. For extra creaminess, consider adding avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken

To achieve a juicy and tender texture, avoid overcooking the chicken. Cooking it on medium-high heat ensures a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist. If using chicken thighs, they may take slightly longer to cook than chicken breasts but will remain more tender and flavorful.

If you have extra time, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour in a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice before cooking. This enhances the flavor and helps keep the meat tender.

Getting the Best Roasted Sweet Potatoes

For crispy edges, make sure the sweet potatoes are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, they will steam rather than roast. Using parchment paper helps with easy cleanup, but if you want extra crispiness, roast them directly on a lightly greased baking sheet.

If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can toss the roasted sweet potatoes with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of roasting. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds a slight caramelized texture.

Storage and Meal Prep

This dish is great for meal prep, as both the chicken and sweet potatoes store well in the refrigerator. Let them cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, use a microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the chicken moist.

If you want to freeze the chicken and sweet potatoes, store them separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with different flavors and textures. If you want to add grains, serve over quinoa, couscous, brown rice, or farro. If you prefer a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a leafy green salad.

For a fresh contrast, consider adding sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or a citrus-based dressing to brighten up the flavors. A creamy sauce like tahini, garlic yogurt, or a balsamic glaze also complements the dish beautifully.

This Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowl is a simple yet satisfying meal that combines warmth, texture, and nutrition. It’s great for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even as a light but filling lunch. Enjoy this flavorful and balanced dish, and feel free to experiment with additional seasonings and garnishes to make it your own!