Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

Introduction

The Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl is a healthy and delicious meal that combines tender chicken and roasted sweet potatoes with fresh greens. Easy to make and packed with flavors, this bowl is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a complete meal that leaves you feeling satisfied without feeling heavy.

Why Make This Recipe

Making this bowl is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is full of nutritious ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, and greens. These components provide a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Second, it is simple to prepare and can be made in about 30-40 minutes. Lastly, it’s versatile! You can customize it based on your dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand.

How to Make Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

Follow these steps to create your mouthwatering Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl:

Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade and let them soak for at least 15–30 minutes.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In another bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and optional cayenne pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 25-30 minutes until they are tender and slightly crispy.
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
Assemble the Bowl:
- Start with a base of cooked quinoa or brown rice if desired.
- Top with mixed greens or spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, grilled chicken, sliced avocado, and any other toppings you like (feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, etc.).
Make the Tahini Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey (if using), minced garlic, and salt.
- Add ice water to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.
Dress the Bowl:
- Drizzle the tahini dressing over the assembled bowl. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, while breasts are leaner. Trim any excess fat.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin for best flavor, helps with browning and prevents sticking.
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best, adds brightness and tenderizes.
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth and helps emulsify the marinade.
2 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch.
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped.
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Lends a beautiful color and smoky flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Salt: Or to taste, enhances all flavors.
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground for optimal taste.
2 large Sweet Potatoes (about 1.5 lbs): Peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Helps them crisp up and prevents sticking.
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Complements the chicken’s smokiness.
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of savory flavor.
1/4 teaspoon Salt: Or to taste.
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional): For a little kick of heat.
1 cup Cooked Quinoa or Brown Rice (optional base): Adds complex carbohydrates and fiber.
1-2 cups Mixed Greens or Spinach (optional base): For added freshness and nutrients.
1/4 Avocado, sliced or diced: Provides healthy fats and creaminess.
1 tablespoon Crumbled Feta Cheese or Goat Cheese (optional): Adds a salty, tangy element.
1 tablespoon Toasted Pumpkin Seeds or Sliced Almonds (optional): For crunch and healthy fats.
1/4 cup Tahini: Well-stirred, as it can separate.
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed.
1 tablespoon Maple Syrup or Honey (optional): For a touch of sweetness to balance the tahini.
1 clove Garlic, minced or grated: For a subtle garlic note.
2-4 tablespoons Ice Water: To thin to desired consistency.
Pinch of Salt: To taste.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

Serve the bowl warm, topped with the tahini dressing. You can also serve it with a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra burst of flavor. This dish pairs well with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade.

How to Store Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The grilled chicken and sweet potatoes can last for about 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to eat. The assembled bowl is best eaten fresh, but you can keep the components and mix them as needed.

Tips to Make Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness accurately.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on your preference—add more vegetables or use different toppings!

Variation

You can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Additionally, try adding different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli in place of sweet potatoes for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I meal prep this bowl for the week?
Yes! Prepare the chicken, sweet potatoes, and dressing ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble when ready to eat.

2. Can I use another grain instead of quinoa or brown rice?
Absolutely! You can use couscous, farro, or even a salad base if you prefer something lighter.

3. Is the tahini dressing necessary?
Not at all! If you’re not a fan of tahini, feel free to use your favorite dressing or skip it altogether. A simple olive oil and vinegar dressing works well, too!