Looking for a flavorful and wholesome meal that comes together effortlessly? One of my favorite go-to recipes is the Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delicious symphony of flavors and nutrition wrapped up in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions, this dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying option that even the pickiest eaters will adore.

Why you’ll love this dish

Why should you try this recipe? Simply put, it’s convenience and nutrition combined. Every ingredient plays a vital role in making this dish not only delicious but also nourishing. The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and are rich in vitamins, while the chicken breast keeps it lean and protein-packed. Plus, everything is cooked in one go, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a nutritious lunch to take to work, this rice bowl does it all.

“I made this for dinner last night, and my kids couldn’t get enough! I love how nutritious it is without sacrificing taste.” – Happy Parent

Preparing Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

This dish comes together seamlessly, making it perfect for cooks of any level. You’ll begin by roasting sweet potatoes to bring out their sweetness. While those are cooking, you’ll prepare the brown rice in savory vegetable broth for added flavor. Finally, the chicken is seasoned and cooked simply in a skillet. It’s all about layering those beautiful ingredients in a bowl, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.

What you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before diving into this culinary adventure:

1 lb chicken breast
2 medium sweet potatoes
1 cup brown rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Feel free to swap in ingredients you have on hand, like quinoa instead of rice, or adding different spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Directions to follow

Get ready to create a meal that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. Follow these simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the brown rice in vegetable broth according to the package instructions for extra flavor.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked.
Once everything is ready, assemble your bowl starting with a base of rice topped with roasted sweet potatoes and sliced chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to serving your Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl, presentation matters. Start with a generous helping of the brown rice at the bottom, then pile on those roasted sweet potatoes and arrange the chicken slices beautifully on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing touch. For side dishes, consider a light salad or some steamed broccoli to complement the bowl.

How to store & freeze

Storing leftovers is straightforward! Keep any uneaten portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save them for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Just ensure everything has cooled completely before sealing the containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are some pro tips to elevate your Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl:

Use leftover chicken, if available, to save time.
Make extra sweet potatoes intentionally for delicious snacks the next day.
Experiment with spices based on your taste—try cumin for a different twist or a touch of hot sauce for heat.

Creative twists

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to consider:

Southwestern flair: Add corn, black beans, and avocado for a Tex-Mex spin.
Asian-inspired: Swap out the spices for soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, and use bok choy instead of sweet potatoes.
Vegan version: Replace chicken with chickpeas for a hearty plant-based bowl.

Common questions

What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of around 40 minutes.
Can I use other grains?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown rice with quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to keep it moist.

By exploring the depths of flavors and textures within this Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl, you’ll soon find it to be on heavy rotation in your meal plan. Enjoy its nutrition, simplicity, and delicious taste!

Healthy chicken rice bowl with sweet potatoes and fresh veggies

Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

A delicious and nutritious rice bowl made with roasted sweet potatoes, lean chicken breast, and savory brown rice, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dinner, Main Course, Meal Prep

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast Lean protein source.
2 medium sweet potatoes Provides natural sweetness and vitamins.
1 cup brown rice Whole grain that adds fiber.
2 cups vegetable broth For cooking the rice, adds flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil For roasting the sweet potatoes.
to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
1 teaspoon garlic powder For additional flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika Adds color and taste.
to taste Fresh parsley For garnish.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the brown rice in vegetable broth according to the package instructions.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked.
Once everything is ready, assemble your bowl with rice topped with roasted sweet potatoes and sliced chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.