. Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl – esrecipes

Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl

When you’re looking for a dish that is hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavor, this Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl is the perfect choice. Combining smoky grilled chicken, caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh toppings, this recipe is a balanced, customizable meal that works equally well for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this bowl is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually stunning dish that makes healthy eating exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Bowl

  • Nutritious and balanced: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and wholesome greens.
  • Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite toppings or grains.
  • Meal prep friendly: Perfect for preparing ahead of a busy week.
  • Big flavors: Smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy all in one bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grilled Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Bowls

  • 4 cups mixed greens or spinach
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)
  • 1 avocado, diced or sliced
  • ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
  • Pumpkin seeds or toasted almonds (optional)

For the Creamy Chili-Lime Dressing

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey or agave
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Chopped cilantro, to taste

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a large baking sheet, toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.

2. Grill the Chicken

  1. While the sweet potatoes roast, cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through with nice char marks.
  4. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.

3. Make the Dressing

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, salt, and cilantro.
  2. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Bowls

  1. Start with a base of greens (and quinoa or rice if using).
  2. Add sections of roasted sweet potatoes, grilled chicken, avocado, beans, tomatoes, and red onion.
  3. Drizzle generously with the chili-lime dressing.
  4. Finish with crumbled cheese and pumpkin seeds or almonds for crunch.

Tips for Success

  • Meal prep ready: Roast extra sweet potatoes and grill extra chicken for easy lunches during the week.
  • Protein boost: Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even grilled tofu.
  • Grain-free option: Skip the quinoa or rice and double the greens for a lighter, low-carb version.
  • Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.

Variations to Try

  • Mediterranean Bowl: Swap chili-lime dressing for tzatziki and add olives and cucumber.
  • BBQ Chicken Bowl: Toss chicken in BBQ sauce and serve with corn and shredded cheese.
  • Southwest Bowl: Add roasted corn, black beans, and a dollop of guacamole.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl is a powerhouse meal that strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and flavor. With smoky grilled chicken, sweet and savory roasted potatoes, and a creamy chili-lime dressing, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings while keeping things wholesome.

It’s quick enough for weeknights, versatile enough for entertaining, and perfect for meal prep—making it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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