Name: Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced and seasoned with salt and pepper; 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 2 tbsp tahini; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp water

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is your new best friend. This dish beautifully combines tender, seasoned chicken with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, all resting atop a bed of nutty brown rice. With its vibrant colors and layers of flavor, it’s an absolute joy to prepare and even more delightful to eat—a perfect recipe for those cozy nights when you want something nourishing yet exciting.

Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl keeps things simple but rewarding with just a handful of essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building texture, flavor, and balance—making the dish both satisfying and colorful.

1 lb chicken breast: Diced and seasoned, chicken brings protein and a juicy, savory element.
2 cups sweet potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a lovely softness that contrasts with the chicken.
2 cups cooked brown rice: The nutty, chewy base that ties everything together while adding whole grain goodness.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used for roasting sweet potatoes, it helps create a golden, caramelized exterior.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a pop of color to the sweet potatoes.
Salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors with just the right seasoning.
2 tbsp tahini: For a creamy, slightly nutty drizzle that elevates the whole bowl.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to balance the richness.
1 tbsp water: Helps to thin out the tahini sauce for drizzling ease.

How to Make Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by tossing those diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. This roasting step brings out the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes, giving them a slightly crispy edge and deep flavor that is simply irresistible.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned diced chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Cooking chicken in small pieces allows it to brown beautifully on all sides and stay juicy inside, which will keep every bite flavorful and moist.

Step 3: Prepare the Tahini Drizzle

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth. This simple drizzle adds a creamy, tangy finish that cuts through the richness of the chicken and sweet potatoes, tying all the flavors of the bowl together with a lovely nutty undertone.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

Layer the cooked brown rice at the base of your bowl, then add the tender chicken and roasted sweet potatoes on top. Generously drizzle the tahini sauce over everything just before serving. This layering not only looks vibrant but ensures you get a little bit of every flavor in every forkful.

How to Serve Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top can add a bright, fresh note. A pinch of toasted sesame seeds also adds texture and a subtle crunch that complements the tahini drizzle beautifully. If you like a little heat, a dash of chili flakes awakens the palate wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Since the Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is quite complete on its own, light and crisp sides work best. Think a simple cucumber salad or a quick pickled slaw to add a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed greens like kale or broccoli pair well for added nutrition and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this bowl with warm pita bread on the side or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and tang. You can also turn it into a wrap by stuffing the components into a flatbread for a portable lunch alternative. Presentation-wise, layering ingredients in glass jars makes a colorful, grab-and-go meal that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chicken, sweet potato, and rice combo stores beautifully in the fridge. Place the components in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days to enjoy freshness. Keep the tahini sauce separate to maintain the bowl’s best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and roasted sweet potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Rice freezes well, too, but be sure to cool everything before packaging. The tahini drizzle should be made fresh to preserve its flavor and creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and sweet potatoes gently in a skillet or microwave until hot. Reheat the rice separately if possible to avoid overcooking. After reheating, drizzle the tahini sauce fresh over the bowl to keep the dish vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! White rice works just fine and will create a softer texture. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but feel free to use whatever you prefer or have on hand.

Is this Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check the tahini and seasoning labels to be sure they haven’t been processed with gluten-containing additives.

Can I substitute chicken breast with thighs?

You certainly can. Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and richness but may have a slightly different texture. They work great if you want an even more tender, flavorful bowl.

How spicy is the dish? Can I add more heat?

The recipe is on the mild side with just paprika for gentle warmth. If you love spice, adding cayenne, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce is a perfect way to boost the heat without overwhelming the other flavors.

Can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and replace the tahini drizzle with a similar nut or seed butter-based sauce. Roasted sweet potatoes and rice remain the same, keeping it delicious and hearty.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s straightforward, colorful, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking a cozy dinner for family and friends, this bowl never disappoints. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a permanent delicious fixture in your kitchen!

Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is a wholesome, flavorful meal featuring tender diced chicken breast, roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with paprika, and hearty brown rice. Finished with a creamy tahini and lemon drizzle, this dish combines savory and slightly sweet notes for a balanced, nutritious bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, diced and seasoned with salt and pepper

Sweet Potatoes

2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice

2 cups cooked brown rice

Tahini Drizzle

2 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp water

Instructions

Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Cook Chicken: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper and cook until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Tahini Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed for a drizzleable sauce.
Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice into serving bowls. Top each bowl with cooked chicken and roasted sweet potatoes. Drizzle the tahini sauce over the top just before serving for extra flavor and creaminess.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for juicier meat.
For a vegan version, replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu.
Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
Brown rice can be swapped with quinoa or white rice according to preference.
To make the tahini drizzle more flavorful, add one minced garlic clove or a pinch of cumin.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting and Pan-frying
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired