Southwest Chicken Sweet Potato Power Bowls

Recipe Introduction: Dig Into Delicious!

Ever stare into your fridge, wondering what to whip up? Honestly, sometimes I do. Let me introduce you to these killer chicken and sweet potato bowls .

They're like sunshine in a bowl, bursting with flavour! Think cozy spices and hearty goodness.

Quick Hook: Your New Fave Bowl is Here!

Ready for the star of the show? This recipe creates the sweet potato power bowls that are going to be a regular thing. The sweet and savory dance will tantalize taste buds.

Brief Overview: Southwest Flavors, Easy Peasy

These bowls bring a little Southwest sunshine to your plate. Southwest chicken bowls are inspired by those zesty flavors. This recipe is easy peasy, taking about 50 minutes from start to finish.

It makes 4 servings perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.

Main Benefits: Healthy, Happy, Delicious

Looking for a healthy and delicious meal? These healthy chicken and sweet potato recipe bowls are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.

They're great for a weeknight dinner or a post workout refuel. What makes these bowls so special? The blend of sweet and savory with a hint of spice that is hard to resist.

Let's Get Cooking: Bowl Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for these Spiced chicken and sweet potato bowl to create magic. This recipe is inspired by Chipotle style chicken bowl but made with love in your own kitchen.

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you wanna make some bangin' Southwest chicken bowls ? Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Trust me, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. For the chicken and sweet potato bowls , you'll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed. Quality chicken is key. Look for plump, pinkish breasts. Avoid anything pale or slimy, yeah?
• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs/900g total) , peeled and diced. The sweeter the potato, the better the bowl, I reckon.
• 1 cup (190g) uncooked quinoa. Or rice, if that's your jam.
• 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth. Low sodium is always a shout!

For the spices, that's where the magic happens! You'll want:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (good quality stuff!)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat!)
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Don't forget the toppings to make Sweet potato power bowls :

• 1 can (15-ounce/425g) black beans, rinsed.
• 1 cup (150g) frozen corn, thawed.
• 1 avocado , diced. I love a good creamy avo in my Chipotle style chicken bowl .
• 1/2 cup (120ml) salsa. Go wild mild, medium, hot whatever floats your boat.
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Fiesta!

Honestly, the right spices can transform a simple roasted sweet potato and chicken bowl into a flavor bomb. We're going for that classic Southwest vibe, so chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are non-negotiable.

For a spiced chicken and sweet potato bowl , adjust the amount of cayenne to your heat tolerance. A pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders too.

If you're missing smoked paprika, normal paprika will do in a pinch. Just add a tiny dash of liquid smoke if you have it.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Okay, you don't need fancy gadgets to make these easy chicken and sweet potato dinner . Here's what's essential:

• Large bowl: For marinating the chicken, naturally.
• Baking sheet: A good ol' baking sheet for those sweet potatoes.
• Medium saucepan with lid: For cooking the quinoa or rice.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: Safety first, people!
• Small bowl for the dressing

If you don't have a baking sheet, a large oven safe dish will work. No quinoa? Rice is your friend. This high protein chicken and sweet potato bowl recipe is all about being adaptable, innit? Let's get cooking!

For those who enjoy chicken and sweet potato bowl meal prep , these tools make the process a breeze and super efficient.

Cooking the Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls Right!

Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! We're diving into Southwest chicken bowls that are both easy and healthy.

This healthy chicken and sweet potato recipe will become your new go-to. Seriously, forget boring dinners. I'm gonna show you how to roast your way to a fantastic Chipotle style chicken bowl .

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First up? It's the mise en place , baby! That's chef talk for "get everything ready". Dice those two large sweet potatoes and cube that 1.

5 lbs of chicken before you even think about turning on the oven. I can’t stress this enough. For the chicken, just combine the olive oil , chili powder , cumin , smoked paprika , garlic powder , cayenne pepper , salt , and black pepper .

I tend to let my chicken marinade for about 20 minutes , or, if I'm on top of things, overnight .

It gets the chicken so tender. Safety first, folks! Wash your hands after handling raw chicken.

step-by-step: Bowl Assembly

1. Roast the sweet potatoes: Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil , smoked paprika , garlic powder , salt , and black pepper .
2. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for 25- 30 minutes . Make sure you flip them halfway for even caramelization.
3. Cook your quinoa (or rice). This is your bowl base. Simmer 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of broth for 15 minutes .
4. Cook your chicken. Get that skillet HOT. You want to get a little brown on the edges when you cook the chicken over medium heat. Make sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Whisk lime dressing in a small bowl, a combination of lime juice , olive oil , honey , cumin , salt , and black pepper and set aside.
6. Now the fun begins! Pile your cooked quinoa, Roasted sweet potato and chicken bowl , beans, corn, avocado, and salsa. Drizzle with that lime dressing.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bowl Game

Want to take your chicken and sweet potato burrito bowl to the next level? Try marinating the chicken longer - seriously, do it! Don't overcrowd the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet.

You'll end up with steamed, not roasted, taters. I always like a Spiced chicken and sweet potato bowl . So, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken.

make-ahead win? Cook your chicken, roast sweet potatoes, and quinoa and store them separately. Then you have a super quick easy chicken and sweet potato dinner all week.

You know, whipping up these Sweet potato power bowls is way easier than ordering takeout. And I reckon they're healthier too! This High protein chicken and sweet potato bowl is a total game changer for meal prep.

Recipe Notes to Level Up Your Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls

Let's talk strategy for your chicken and sweet potato bowls . Honestly, this recipe is pretty foolproof, but a few extra tips can make all the difference.

Think of this section as your secret weapon. A stat for you: Did you know that sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of Vitamin A? I bet not! So this makes easy chicken and sweet potato dinner even more appealing.

Serving Suggestions: Bowl Game Strong!

Okay, presentation matters. For your Southwest chicken bowls , don't just dump everything in. Layer it! Start with the quinoa, then artfully arrange the sweet potatoes and chicken.

A dollop of salsa, a fan of avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro? Chefs kiss! For drinks, a cold beer or even a homemade lemonade will be perfect.

Storage Tips: Meal Prep Like a Pro

Got leftovers? This chicken and sweet potato bowl meal prep thing is your friend. Store the components separately in airtight containers.

The chicken and sweet potatoes will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days . Reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in the microwave or oven.

The quinoa can also be reheated, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Freezing isn't ideal for the sweet potatoes (they get a bit mushy), but the chicken freezes well.

Just make sure it's cooled completely first.

Variations: Your Bowl, Your Rules

Want to mix things up? To make this a healthy chicken and sweet potato recipe , you can easily swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Boom!

Or, if you are watching your carbs, then swap out the quinoa for cauliflower rice.

As for seasonal changes? This is a roasted sweet potato and chicken bowl , so you can always swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash in autumn, or even use grilled corn during the summer.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Fuel

Each of these Sweet potato power bowls is a powerhouse of nutrients! You're getting a good dose of protein, healthy carbs, and plenty of vitamins.

This recipe is high in fiber. I mean, it's packed with goodness! One serving has around 550-650 calories with about 40-45g protein, and 10-12g fiber.

I even included Chipotle style chicken bowl with the spiced chicken and sweet potato bowl , but using healthier methods.

So, there you have it! These notes should set you up for bowl making success. With a little creativity and these handy tips, your chicken and sweet potato bowls will be the star of the show.

Go on, give it a go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the chicken and sweet potato bowls ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!

Absolutely! The chicken, sweet potatoes, and quinoa can all be cooked in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes assembling your chicken and sweet potato bowls a breeze when you're ready to eat. Just think of it as meal prep worthy of Mary Berry!

I'm not a fan of spice, can I make the Southwest chicken and sweet potato bowls less spicy?

Of course! Simply omit the cayenne pepper from the chicken marinade. You can also use a mild salsa. Remember, you can always add spice back in later, so start mild and taste as you go, just like they do on "The Great British Baking Show"!

What are some good substitutions for the quinoa in these chicken and sweet potato bowls? I'm all out!

No quinoa, no problem! Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even farro make excellent substitutes. You could even use couscous in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to what the packaging on the quinoa substitute says.

How should I store leftover chicken and sweet potato bowls? Will they keep well for lunch tomorrow?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the lime dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the other ingredients from getting soggy. They'll be perfect for a cracking lunch tomorrow!

Is there a vegetarian version of these chicken and sweet potato bowls? My friend is coming over and doesn't eat meat.

Certainly! You can easily swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese. Both options offer a delicious protein alternative that complements the sweet potatoes and other toppings beautifully. Perhaps add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a rich finish.

Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will give it a lovely smoky flavor that works wonderfully with the other ingredients in the chicken and sweet potato bowls. Just make sure to grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's cooked through.

Plus, who doesn't love a good BBQ?