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Flavor-Packed Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

A comforting bowl featuring roasted sweet potatoes, seared chicken, and vibrant greens, topped with a creamy yogurt-tahini sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Marinade
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed Use organic or free-range chicken if available.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 zest zest and juice of 1 lime
For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb / 450 g), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
For the Rice and Greens
  • 1 1/2 cups jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups chopped kale or baby spinach, tough stems removed
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • a pinch of salt
For the Sauce and Toppings
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
  • 2 tbsp tahini or creamy almond butter
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped almonds
  • Optional: sliced avocado, pickled red onion, chili flakes

Method
 

Marinate the chicken
  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, minced garlic, lime zest, and lime juice. Add chicken and coat evenly. Let rest 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
Roast the sweet potatoes
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and salt on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway, until edges are caramelized and centers are tender when pierced with a fork.
Cook the rice
  1. In a saucepan, bring 3 cups water or broth and rinsed rice to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Sear the chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add chicken and sear 3 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Wilt the greens
  1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium, add 1 tsp olive oil and kale, and toss until just wilted and bright green. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Make the sauce and assemble
  1. Whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust thickness with a teaspoon of water if needed. Build bowls: start with rice, add roasted sweet potatoes, sliced chicken, and wilted greens. Drizzle with sauce and finish with cilantro and pumpkin seeds. Add avocado and pickled onion if using.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness. For extra char and flavor, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes after searing. Vegetarian: replace chicken with 2 cans of drained chickpeas, tossed in the spice mix and roasted with the sweet potatoes. Low-carb: swap rice for cauliflower rice; sauté 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Make-ahead: roast sweet potatoes and cook rice up to 3 days in advance. Store components separately in airtight containers. Avoid soggy bowls by keeping sauce separate until serving.