This Bowl Makes Weeknights Brighter
You’re Going to Adore This Dinner
- Effortless & Quick – This entire savory rice bowl recipe comes together in one pan in about 40 minutes.
- Family-Friendly Flavor – A perfect blend of sweet and savory that even picky eaters love.
- Packed with Goodness – You get lean protein, complex carbs, and veggies all in one healthy sweet potato bowl.
- Meal-Prep Magic – The components reheat beautifully, making your weekday lunches a total breeze.
What You’ll Need for Your Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
For the Bowl
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
- Long-Grain White Rice – The perfect fluffy base for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Sweet Potato – Peeled and diced small so it cooks through beautifully for this sweet potato rice bowl.
- Olive Oil – A good glug for roasting the sweet potatoes and searing the chicken.
For the Sauce
- Soy Sauce – Low-sodium keeps the salt level just right.
- Honey – Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar – Adds that bright, tangy kick to the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika – A must for that deep, smoky depth.
- Garlic Powder – Quick and easy flavor booster.
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked is always best.
- Kosher Salt – Just enough to enhance everything without overpowering.
For Garnish
- Green Onions – Thinly sliced for a fresh, crisp finish.
Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- small bowl
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced sweet potato and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are tender and lightly browned on the edges.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
- Push the cooked sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the empty space and place the chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes without moving to get a good sear, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and sweet potatoes, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the ingredients.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it between bowls. Top with the glazed chicken and sweet potato mixture, then garnish with the sliced green onions.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Your Dinner Timeline Is Super Short
Let me tell you, friends, one of the best parts of this chicken sweet potato rice bowl is how little time it demands from your busy evening. You won’t be stuck at the stove for hours—I promise!
I spend about 15 minutes getting everything chopped and my sauce whisked together. Then, it’s just about 25 minutes of mostly hands-off cooking time. Seriously, in under 40 minutes total, you’ll have a complete, nourishing dinner on the table that feels way more special than the effort required. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you need something reliable and fast, just like my favorite ground beef rice bowl.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I love that this chicken rice bowl recipe is so adaptable for different needs around the table. If you’re keeping an eye on sugar, a few simple swaps make it just as delightful. For a diabetic-friendly version, you can easily replace the honey with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit to keep that sweet balance without the spike.
Portion control is another great way to keep things blood sugar friendly—simply serve yourself a bit more of the fluffy rice and roasted veggies alongside a moderate serving of the honey glazed chicken. The goal is a happy, satisfied belly without any guilt!
My Favorite Pro Tips for Perfection
After making this countless times for my own family, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make your chicken sweet potato rice bowl absolutely perfect every single time.
- Flavor Boost: For an even deeper savory baked chicken flavor, marinate your cubed chicken in half the sauce for 20 minutes before cooking.
- Diet Tweak: Make it gluten-free by swapping the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. It’s an easy fix!
- Texture Tip: Dice that sweet potato into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook through at the same time as the chicken, giving you tender bites in every forkful. For more texture inspiration, check out our roasted cauliflower bowl.
- Storage Smarts: The components store beautifully separately for up to 4 days. I love having pre-prepped elements for my salmon bowl lunches all week!
The Wonderful Health Benefits Inside
This isn’t just a tasty meal; it’s a genuinely nourishing choice for you and your family. Let’s break down why this healthy sweet potato bowl is such a win.
Sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin A and fiber, which are fantastic for your immune system and digestion. Meanwhile, the lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein to keep you feeling full and energized long after dinner is over. The combination of complex carbs from the rice and sweet potato offers sustained energy, making this a truly balanced meal. For more on the foundational benefits of this key ingredient, you can read about the sweet potato.
It’s a meal that supports your well-being without ever sacrificing an ounce of flavor. For another protein-packed option, our chickpea egg bowl is a fantastic choice.
How to Lighten Up Your Rice Bowl
Want to make this dish even lighter? It’s incredibly easy to do! I often make a few tweaks based on what I’m craving.
For a lower-carb version, you can swap the white rice for cauliflower rice. Just sauté it quickly in a pan until tender. You can also reduce the oil by using a high-quality non-stick pan and a spritz of avocado oil spray for the sweet potatoes and chicken. Another one of my favorite lean meals is this plant-based sausage bowl when I want something different.
Each small change lets you customize this stir-fry chicken with sweet potato to fit your day perfectly. Don’t miss our mango quinoa bowl for another light and fresh idea.
How to Serve This Cozy Bowl with Style
I love serving these bowls family-style right in the middle of the table. Everyone can dig in and create their perfect bite. It reminds me of the cozy dinners my mom used to make where the conversation was just as important as the food.
For a complete meal, I love pairing this smoked paprika seasoned rice bowl with a simple side salad with a ginger dressing or some quick-pickled veggies for a tangy crunch. A cool glass of iced green tea is my drink of choice—it complements the savory-sweet flavors so well!
For more hearty bowl ideas, my steak rice bowl is a crowd-pleaser on weekends.
Avoid These Common Cooking Mistakes
Even the easiest recipes can have a couple of pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them and ensure your roasted sweet potato and chicken rice bowl turns out flawless.
First, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. If the pieces are too close together, they’ll steam instead of getting that beautiful sear we want. Give them space! Second, make sure your sweet potato dice is uniform. Different sizes mean some pieces will be mushy while others are still hard. Finally, don’t skip letting the sauce simmer for those last few minutes. That’s what allows it to thicken into a glorious glaze that coats every ingredient. For more sauce inspiration, see this fantastic Thai-Inspired Peanut Sauce Bowl.
Getting these small details right makes all the difference. I also love the flavors in our aji amarillo chicken bowl for another surefire hit.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This dish is a meal-prep superstar! I often make a double batch on Sunday to have lunches ready to go. I remember one particularly chaotic week where these pre-made bowls were an absolute lifesaver between work and driving the kids to practice.
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rice, chicken, and sweet potatoes reheat beautifully in the microwave. If the rice seems dry, sprinkle a tiny bit of water over it before heating. For a quick breakfast version, check out my avocado breakfast bowl. You can also try a creamy yogurt bowl for a sweet start to your day.
Try This Recipe for a Happier Week
I truly hope this recipe finds its way onto your table and becomes a new favorite. It’s the kind of simple, joyful cooking that makes busy weeknights feel special.
There’s something so satisfying about creating a meal that is both wholesome and bursting with flavor. If you love this chicken sweet potato bowl, I know you’ll also adore our salmon farro bowl, banana chocolate yogurt bowl, and Greek yogurt bowl. For a tangy twist, don’t miss my pickled radish bowl.
More Family-Friendly Bowl Recipes You’ll Love
If this dish was a hit, you’ll absolutely adore these other easy recipes. Each one is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss!
Hearty Ground Beef Rice Bowl – A savory, satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.Easy Steak Rice Bowl – Perfect for a protein-packed dinner that feels indulgent.
Simple Salmon Farro Bowl – Loaded with omega-3s and wholesome farro for a nutritious lunch.
Fresh Mango Quinoa Bowl – A bright, tropical flavor explosion that’s perfect for summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat sweet potatoes and rice together?
Absolutely! Combining sweet potatoes and rice is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. The sweet potato adds vitamins and fiber, while the rice provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates, making for a very satisfying and healthy sweet potato bowl.
What are the best toppings for a sweet potato bowl?
I love adding freshness and crunch! Think sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even some chopped cilantro. For a extra flavor kick, a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime juice is fantastic on this chicken sweet potato rice bowl.
Can you eat chicken and sweet potatoes together?
Yes, and it’s a match made in heaven! The savory flavor of the chicken pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes. This combination is a staple in many cuisines because it creates a perfectly balanced and flavorful meal, like in this savory baked chicken with fluffy rice dish.
What type of chicken goes well with sweet potatoes?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the glaze wonderfully. For this particular honey glazed chicken over rice recipe, I prefer breasts for their lean protein, but thighs will add even more juiciness.
