Chicken And Sweet Potato Rice Bowl: How To Make It In 30 Min

Have You Ever Tried Putting Chicken and Sweet Potatoes in the Same Bowl?

It might sound a little unusual at first. Sweet potatoes with chicken and rice? But trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. It’s cozy, hearty, and full of flavor. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Let me show you how to whip up this Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl in no time. It’s packed with nutrients, super satisfying, and topped with a creamy tahini drizzle that ties it all together. You’re going to love it.

Why This Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Is a Must-Try

This rice bowl is the perfect combo of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful in a bowl, and fills you up without making you feel heavy.

Here’s what makes it special

Ready in just 30 minutes
Super healthy with lean protein, fiber, and good fats
Totally customizable—make it your own
Kid-friendly and great for meal prep

Time Required
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty Level Easy (Anyone can do this!)

Key Ingredients and What They Do

Let’s look at the important ingredients and why they matter in this bowl. Don’t worry—you can always swap things out if you need to.

Chicken Breast (1 lb diced)
This is your main protein. It’s lean, full of flavor, and cooks fast.
Swap You can use boneless chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Sweet Potatoes (2 cups diced)
They’re sweet, colorful, and packed with fiber and vitamins. Roasting them brings out their natural sugars.
Swap Use butternut squash or regular potatoes if you prefer.

Brown Rice (2 cups cooked)
This gives you fiber and keeps you full longer. It’s the base that holds everything together.
Swap Use white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for low-carb options.

Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
Helps crisp up the sweet potatoes and adds healthy fat.
Tip You can also use avocado oil or melted coconut oil.

Paprika (1 tsp)
Adds warmth and a smoky flavor to the roasted sweet potatoes.
Tip Add cumin or garlic powder for extra depth.

Tahini (2 tbsp)
This creamy sesame paste makes the drizzle extra rich and nutty.
Swap Try peanut butter or almond butter if you don’t have tahini.

Lemon Juice (1 tbsp)
Adds brightness to the tahini drizzle and balances out the richness.
Tip Lime juice works too.

Water (1 tbsp)
Thins out the tahini so you can drizzle it easily over the bowl.
Tip Add more water if your drizzle is too thick.

Salt and Pepper
Simple seasoning that pulls all the flavors together. Always taste and adjust.

Step-by-Step Instructions With Easy Tips

Now let’s get into the fun part—cooking. Follow these simple steps and dinner will be ready before you know it.

Step 1 Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl
Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer
Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through so they get golden on all sides
Pro Tip Make sure they’re cut evenly so they cook at the same time

Step 2 Cook the Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat
Add a little olive oil if needed and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes
Season with salt and pepper as they cook
Pro Tip Don’t crowd the pan. Let the chicken get a nice sear by giving it space

Step 3 Make the Tahini Drizzle
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth
Add a pinch of salt if you’d like
Pro Tip If it looks too thick, add more water one teaspoon at a time

Step 4 Build Your Bowls
Start with about ½ cup of warm brown rice in each bowl
Top with cooked chicken and roasted sweet potatoes
Drizzle the tahini sauce generously over the top
Pro Tip Add a few fresh greens like spinach, arugula, or microgreens for an extra pop

How to Assemble a Bowl That Looks and Tastes Amazing

Start with your base rice
Arrange sweet potatoes on one side and chicken on the other
Drizzle tahini sauce over everything like a zigzag
Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro if you have some
Optional Add a wedge of lemon or sprinkle of sesame seeds on top
Serving Tip Use wide shallow bowls so your layers are easy to see and eat

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is meal prep gold. You can make everything ahead and enjoy it for days.

Storage
Store rice, chicken, and sweet potatoes separately or in meal prep containers
Keep the tahini drizzle in a small sealed jar or container
Everything lasts up to 4 days in the fridge

Reheating
Warm rice, chicken, and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stove
Drizzle the tahini sauce cold or let it come to room temp
Pro Tip Sprinkle a bit of water over the rice before microwaving so it stays soft

Make-Ahead
You can cook the rice and roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time
Chicken can be cooked the night before and stored
Tahini sauce stays good in the fridge for a full week

Easy Ways to Switch Things Up

Want to keep it interesting Try these delicious variations

Add Roasted Veggies Throw in some broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers
Go Spicy Add a pinch of cayenne or a squirt of sriracha to the tahini drizzle
Use Different Grains Swap rice for farro, bulgur, or quinoa
Make It Vegan Use tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas instead of chicken
Add Crunch Sprinkle on chopped nuts or crispy chickpeas
Make It Mediterranean Top with olives, cherry tomatoes, or feta cheese

Wrapping It Up Make This Bowl Your Own

That’s it You just made a warm, hearty, and healthy Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl in 30 minutes flat. This is one of those meals that hits all the right notes it’s comforting, nourishing, and full of flavor. Plus it’s super flexible so you can change it up depending on what’s in your fridge.

Now it’s your turn Try it for lunch or dinner this week. Meal prep a few for the week. Share it with a friend. And don’t forget to pour that tahini sauce all over the top—it’s the best part

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FAQs About Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

Can I use leftover chicken Yes This is a great recipe to use up rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken from earlier in the week

What if I don’t like tahini You can use another dressing like a yogurt sauce, honey mustard, or just a squeeze of lemon juice and olive oil

Is this recipe gluten-free Yes as long as your tahini and other ingredients are gluten-free

Can I use white rice Of course Brown rice has more fiber but white rice is just as tasty

What protein can I use instead of chicken Try chickpeas, tofu, or turkey breast for a fun change

What else can I drizzle on top Hummus thinned with lemon juice works great or try a light vinaigrette for a zesty finish

This bowl is your blank canvas Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to experiment. After all, delicious doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be made with love.