Name: Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 cup uncooked brown rice; 2 1/4 cups water or broth; 1 cup steamed broccoli (optional); 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

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Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl a wholesome and hearty rice bowl featuring tender chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and perfectly seasoned brown rice—ideal for meal prep or a comforting dinner.

Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 cup uncooked brown rice

2 ¼ cups water or broth

1 cup steamed broccoli (optional)

2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.

While the sweet potatoes roast, cook the brown rice: combine rice and water (or broth) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

In a skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Stir in the soy sauce and honey, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until slightly caramelized.

To assemble the bowls, divide rice among serving bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, and steamed broccoli (if using). Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve warm or store in meal prep containers for up to 4 days.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein option.

Add more veggies: You can include additional vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or kale for extra flavor and nutrition.

Use quinoa or couscous: If you're looking for a different grain, quinoa or couscous can be great alternatives to brown rice.

Spicy kick: Add a bit of chili flakes or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

This dish is perfect for meal prep! I usually store the chicken, sweet potatoes, and rice in separate containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. When it’s time to reheat, I simply microwave the components or heat them on the stove for a few minutes until warmed through. If you’ve stored it as a complete bowl with broccoli, you can also heat everything together.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. White rice typically cooks faster, so reduce the simmering time to around 15–20 minutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken, sweet potatoes, and rice ahead of time and store them in separate containers for a quick and easy meal later in the week.

Can I make this bowl without the soy sauce and honey?

Yes, you can omit the soy sauce and honey for a simpler flavor profile, or substitute with a different glaze or sauce. For a more savory taste, you could try a balsamic reduction or a simple lemon dressing.

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

While fresh sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen sweet potatoes. Just be sure to thaw them fully before roasting and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through with no pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is an easy, wholesome, and delicious meal that satisfies both the body and the taste buds. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy dinner, it’s a recipe I find myself returning to time and again. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned chicken, and brown rice makes for a balanced and flavorful dish that never gets old!

Recipe:

Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A wholesome and hearty rice bowl featuring tender chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and perfectly seasoned brown rice—ideal for meal prep or a comforting dinner.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
While the sweet potatoes roast, cook the brown rice: combine rice and water (or broth) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
In a skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Stir in the soy sauce and honey, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
To assemble the bowls, divide rice among serving bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, and steamed broccoli (if using). Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve warm or store in meal prep containers for up to 4 days.