Ingredients
Method
Marinate the chicken
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
