I remember Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s. The air would be thick with savory aromas – roasted chicken, freshly baked bread, and something wonderfully comforting simmering on the stove. It wasn’t fancy, but it was good. It was about connection, about sharing a meal with the people you love. This recipe for Roasted Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is my attempt to recapture that feeling. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest. We all crave comfort food. But we also want something relatively healthy and that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers on all fronts. Here’s why you’ll be reaching for it again and again:
- One-Pan Roasting: The chicken and sweet potatoes cook together on one sheet pan, minimizing cleanup. Massive win!
- Vibrant Flavor: The combination of the savory roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, fluffy rice, and intensely flavorful creamy garlic sauce is simply irresistible.
- Healthy & Balanced: Packed with protein, complex carbs, and vitamins, these bowls are a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Swap out vegetables, adjust the spice levels, and make it your own!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters often adore roasted chicken and sweet potatoes. The garlic sauce can be adjusted to appeal to different palates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create these delicious bowls.
For the Roasted Chicken & Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), patted dry
- 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 1.5 cups long-grain rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)
- 3 cups water or chicken broth (broth adds extra flavor!)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light, your preference)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s dive in! This recipe is broken down into manageable steps.
1. Prepare the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- Place the chicken on top of the sweet potatoes. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
2. Roast the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes:
- Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with its own juices. This keeps it moist and flavorful. If the chicken skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
3. Cook the Rice:
- While the chicken is roasting, cook the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
- Combine the rice and water (or chicken broth) in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- While the rice is cooking and the chicken is resting, whip up the delicious garlic sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. More lemon juice for brightness? More garlic for a bolder flavor? It’s your call!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
- Carve the roasted chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
- Top with roasted sweet potatoes and chunks of roasted chicken.
- Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings – avocado, green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are a few ideas!
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables to the roasting pan alongside the sweet potatoes. Broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers would all be delicious.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken and sweet potato mixture.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the chicken cavity before roasting for extra flavor.
- Lemon-Herb Chicken: Instead of smoked paprika, use lemon zest and dried herbs like oregano and thyme for a brighter, more citrusy chicken.
- Make Ahead: The roasted chicken and sweet potatoes can be made a day ahead. Simply cool them completely, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat before assembling the bowls. The creamy garlic sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Serving Suggestion: A simple green salad makes a perfect side dish for these bowls.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
(Please note this is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 45-55g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fiber: 5-7g
It’s time to bring some Sunday dinner magic to your week! This Roasted Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be intimidated – it’s easier to make than you think. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!
