This Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is simple, filling, and made with real food. It has roasted sweet potatoes, cooked rice, and pan-seared chicken. You can add avocado, cilantro, and lime to finish. This bowl works for lunch or dinner and is easy to make.
Why make this recipe
This bowl is healthy, easy, and quick. It has protein from chicken and vitamins from sweet potato. It makes a full meal in one bowl and is easy to pack for work or school. If you like bowl meals, try Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for another tasty idea.
How to prepare Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
Follow the steps below. Cook the rice while the sweet potatoes roast so you save time. Keep the chicken juicy by not overcooking it.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime juice
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
- While sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Slice the chicken and assemble the bowl: Start with rice as the base, add roasted sweet potatoes, and top with sliced chicken.
- Add any optional toppings as desired and serve.
How to serve Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
Serve warm in a bowl. Put rice first, then sweet potatoes, then chicken. Add avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime on top. Eat with a fork or spoon.
How to store Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
Cool to room temperature, then put in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet until hot. Do not refreeze after cooking.
Tips to make Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl perfectly
- Cut sweet potatoes in similar-size pieces so they cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer for chicken; 165°F (74°C) is safe.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Use brown rice for more fiber, or white rice for faster cook time.
- Roast sweet potatoes on a single layer so they brown well.
Variations (if possible)
- Swap chicken for turkey, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Add roasted veggies like broccoli or bell peppers.
- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of rice.
- Drizzle a simple sauce like yogurt-lime or a light vinaigrette.
FAQ
Q: Can I cook this in one pan?
A: You can cook the chicken in the oven with the sweet potatoes on a different rack, but watch timing. Rice still needs a pot or rice cooker.
Q: Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
A: Yes. Thaw or add a few extra minutes to roast time until tender.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Stored in the fridge, up to 3–4 days. Reheat until hot before eating.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes. Make a few bowls at once and store in meal prep containers for easy lunches.
Q: Can I add sauce?
A: Yes. A simple lime-yogurt sauce or a light vinaigrette works well.
Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and filling bowl featuring roasted sweet potatoes, tasty chicken, and fluffy rice, perfect for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
- While sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Slice the chicken and assemble the bowl: Start with rice as the base, add roasted sweet potatoes, and top with sliced chicken.
- Add any optional toppings as desired and serve.
Notes
For even cooking, cut sweet potatoes into similar-size pieces. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American