Chicken Bowls With Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There's something magical about a perfectly balanced dinner bowl that hits all the right notes. These chicken bowls with sweet potatoes bring together tender, seasoned chicken breast with roasted cubed sweet potatoes, creating a meal that's both satisfying and incredibly nutritious. If you're looking for healthy dinner date recipes or simple week night dinners, this chicken bowls with sweet potatoes recipe checks every box.

I've been making these protein-packed bowls for years, and they've become my go-to when I need something quick, delicious, and wholesome. The combination of savory grilled chicken and naturally sweet roasted potatoes creates a flavor balance that never gets old. Plus, this chicken bowls with sweet potatoes recipe is perfect for lunch meal prep, making your busy weeks so much easier.

Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out

Chicken bowls with sweet potatoes have earned their spot as one of the most popular healthy bowl recipes for good reason. This dish combines lean protein with complex carbohydrates and fiber, making it a balanced meal that keeps you energized throughout the day. The sweet potato chicken bowl trend has taken over meal prep circles because it's endlessly customizable and incredibly satisfying.

What makes this particular chicken bowls with sweet potatoes recipe special is its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Unlike complicated buddha bowl recipes that require a dozen ingredients, this version focuses on quality basics that work together beautifully. The maple dijon glaze adds a restaurant-quality touch, while the roasted sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness that complements the savory chicken breast seasoning perfectly. Whether you're planning date night dinner recipes or prepping lunches for the week, this chicken bowls with sweet potatoes delivers every single time.

Jump to:

• Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Game-Changing Secret to Restaurant-Quality Bowls
• FAQ
• Your New Favorite Weeknight Winner
• Related
• Pairing
• Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken breast (can substitute with grilled chicken tenders)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Onion powder

For the Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups cubed sweet potatoes)
• Olive oil
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Black pepper

For the Maple Dijon Glaze

• Pure maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic powder

For the Bowl Base

• Cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa for a grain bowl option)
• Fresh spinach or kale
• Avocado, sliced
• Optional: coleslaw, black beans, or roasted broccoli

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes or strips for even cooking.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and onion powder; toss until evenly coated.
4. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces for uniform roasting.
5. In a separate bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

1. Spread the seasoned chicken pieces on one prepared baking sheet, ensuring they're not overcrowded.
2. Arrange the sweet potato cubes on the second baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Place both sheets in the preheated oven; the sweet potatoes will need about 25-30 minutes.
4. The chicken should roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
5. Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from oven.

Step 3: Create the Maple Dijon Glaze

1. While your protein and vegetables roast, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
2. Add the garlic powder and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Set aside at room temperature; the flavors will meld together while everything cooks.
4. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer it in a small saucepan for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble Your Healthy Chicken Bowl

1. Start with a base of cooked rice, quinoa, or your preferred grain in each bowl.
2. Add a generous portion of fresh spinach or kale to one side of the bowl.
3. Arrange the roasted chicken and sweet potato cubes over the greens and grains.
4. Drizzle the maple dijon glaze over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Top with sliced avocado and any additional toppings like black beans or coleslaw.
6. Serve immediately while warm, or let cool for meal prep storage.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting the perfect chicken bowls with sweet potatoes is all about technique and timing. Here are my tried-and-true tips that make this recipe foolproof every time.

For Perfectly Roasted Chicken

Don't overcrowd your baking sheet; this causes steaming instead of roasting, which means you'll miss out on those delicious caramelized edges. Leave at least half an inch between each piece. If you're doubling the recipe, use additional baking sheets rather than cramming everything together.

Sweet Potato Success

Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Smaller cubes (about ¾ inch) will get crispier edges, while larger pieces (1.5 inches) stay creamier inside. Toss them halfway through roasting for even browning on all sides.

Glaze Timing Matters

Add the maple dijon glaze after cooking, not before. Glazing too early can cause burning due to the sugar content in maple syrup. If you want a stickier coating, brush the glaze on during the last 2 minutes of cooking and return to the oven briefly.

Meal Prep Pro Tips

Let all components cool completely before assembling your meal prep containers. Store the glaze separately in small containers to prevent sogginess. These bowls stay fresh for 4-5 days when stored properly, making them perfect for weekly lunch prep.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This chicken bowls with sweet potatoes recipe is incredibly versatile and adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Protein Swaps

Not a chicken fan? Try cubed pork tenderloin, salmon filets, or even crispy tofu for a plant-based version. Ground turkey seasoned with the same spices works wonderfully and cooks faster. For a BBQ chicken bowl variation, toss the cooked chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce instead of maple dijon glaze.

Sweet Potato Alternatives

Regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even roasted cauliflower make excellent substitutes. For a lower-carb option, double up on vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli. You can also try a mix of regular and sweet potatoes for variety.

Grain-Free Options

Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version, or use zucchini noodles for a lighter base. Quinoa adds extra protein and makes this a complete protein meal. For a heartier grain bowl, try farro or wild rice instead of white rice.

Sauce Variations

Swap the maple dijon glaze for honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, or a creamy tahini dressing. Buffalo sauce lovers can toss the chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. A simple balsamic glaze or chimichurri also works beautifully with these flavors.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes preparing chicken bowls with sweet potatoes so much easier and ensures better results every time.

• Two Large Baking Sheets: Essential for roasting chicken and sweet potatoes simultaneously without overcrowding
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Critical for cutting chicken and sweet potatoes into uniform pieces
• Large Mixing Bowls: At least two for tossing ingredients with seasonings separately
• Meat Thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of determining when chicken is perfectly cooked
• Glass Meal Prep Containers: If you're batch cooking, these keep bowls fresh all week long

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

These chicken bowls with sweet potatoes are meal prep champions, staying fresh and delicious throughout the week when stored correctly.

Refrigerator Storage

Store cooled components in separate airtight containers for up to 5 days. Keep the glaze in a small jar or container to add fresh when serving. The chicken and sweet potatoes can be stored together, but keep fresh greens separate to prevent wilting. Rice or quinoa should be stored in its own container with a tight-fitting lid.

Freezer Guidelines

Both the cooked chicken and roasted sweet potatoes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Don't freeze fresh greens or avocado; add these fresh when serving. The maple dijon glaze can be frozen in ice cube trays for individual portions.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating. For best texture, reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes together, then add fresh greens and cold toppings afterward. If you have an air fryer, reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore some crispiness to the chicken and potatoes.

Meal Prep Assembly

Prepare all components on Sunday for easy weekday meals. Divide rice into containers first, then add chicken and sweet potatoes. Pack greens, avocado, and glaze separately to assemble fresh each day. Label containers with dates to track freshness.

FAQ

Your New Favorite Weeknight Winner

These chicken bowls with sweet potatoes have earned their place in my weekly dinner rotation, and I'm confident they'll become one of your favorites too. The combination of tender grilled chicken, perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, and that incredible maple dijon glaze creates a meal that's both nourishing and completely satisfying. Whether you're meal prepping for busy weekdays or creating an impressive date night dinner, this chicken bowls with sweet potatoes recipe delivers on every level.

Ready to explore more delicious bowl recipes? Check out my Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe for another protein-packed option, or try the Taco Rice Bowl Recipe when you're craving bold, spicy flavors. Both pair beautifully with the meal prep techniques you've learned here. Now grab your ingredients and start creating these amazing chicken bowls with sweet potatoes; your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Kaitlyn Reed

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this chicken bowls with sweet potatoes recipe: