Healthy chicken rice bowl with sweet potatoes and vibrant vegetables

Why Make This Recipe

This Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a balanced meal. It combines lean protein, healthy carbs, and veggies all in one bowl. This dish is not only nutritious but also simple to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to suit your taste.

How to Make Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup rice (white or brown)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup broccoli florets (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the rice according to package instructions.
In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
If using broccoli, steam or sauté it until tender.
To assemble, divide the rice among bowls, top with chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Serve warm.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

Serve the rice bowl warm, straight from the kitchen. You can also add your favorite hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and can also be made in advance for meal prep.

How to Store Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just microwave until warm. You can also freeze individual portions for up to a month.

Tips to Make Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutrition.
Feel free to switch up the spices to suit your taste.
Consider marinating the chicken in your favorite sauce before cooking for extra flavor.

Variation

Try using quinoa instead of rice for a different grain option. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas to make it vegetarian.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the components in advance and assemble them just before serving.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe makes a great meal prep option as it stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely.

What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
You can use regular potatoes or squash if you prefer something different.