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- Chicken and Sweet Potatoes - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces - Seasonings and Spices - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Additional Bowl Components - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice This dish has a mix of flavors and colors. You start with chicken and sweet potatoes. They give the bowl a hearty base. The spices help add depth. Paprika brings warmth, while garlic and cumin add a savory touch. Sweet potatoes are not just tasty; they are good for you too! For the bowl, black beans add protein and fiber. Red bell pepper gives a crisp bite and bright color. Avocado brings creaminess, which makes each bite enjoyable. Cilantro adds freshness and zest. Lime juice enhances all the flavors, tying everything together. Each ingredient plays a role in making this bowl a delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for 375°F to 400°F. This heat helps cook the chicken evenly. - Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, add your diced sweet potatoes. Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over them. Sprinkle on one teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the sweet potatoes well so they get coated with the spices. - Prepare Additional Bowl Components: While the grill heats up, chop your fresh ingredients. Dice the red bell pepper and slice the ripe avocado. These add color and taste to your bowls. - Grill the Chicken: Take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper. Place them on the hot grill. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F inside and has nice grill marks. - Cook the Sweet Potatoes: While the chicken grills, use a grill basket for the sweet potatoes. Cook them on the grill for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them often until they soften and get a little char. If you prefer, you can roast them in an oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes. - Assemble the Bowls: Once everything is cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then slice it into strips. Take your serving bowls and start with a layer of sweet potatoes at the bottom. Add black beans, sliced grilled chicken, diced red bell pepper, and avocado on top. - Garnish and Serve: Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over each bowl. Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy your colorful and healthy meal! Ensuring Perfectly Grilled Chicken To grill chicken right, start with even thickness. This helps cook it all the way through. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check the temp. You want it to reach 165°F. Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices in. Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes For sweet potatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This adds flavor and helps them cook evenly. Grill in a basket for about 10-15 minutes, turning often. Look for tenderness and a nice char for the best taste. How to Layer Ingredients for Visual Appeal Start with sweet potatoes as the base in your bowl. Then, layer black beans, grilled chicken, red bell pepper, and avocado. This order creates height and makes each layer visible. Use clear bowls to show off the colorful layers. Adding Color and Texture Add fresh cilantro on top for a pop of green. Lime juice not only adds flavor but also brightens the dish visually. Consider serving with lime wedges on the side for extra flair. This makes the meal look fresh and inviting. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, lime juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This enhances the flavor and juiciness of the chicken. Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly: To ensure even cooking, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. This helps them cook through at the same rate and achieve the perfect tenderness. Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like corn, jalapeños, or feta cheese to personalize your bowls. This can elevate the dish and cater to different tastes. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in your bowl. Try using tofu if you want a vegetarian option. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture. Ground turkey is another choice. It’s lean and cooks quickly. For vegetables, think beyond sweet potatoes. Roasted carrots or zucchini add great flavor. You could also use cauliflower for a different texture. Try adding spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. Dressings can make your bowl extra tasty. A simple lime vinaigrette brings bright flavors. You can mix olive oil with lime juice and a pinch of salt. If you like spice, add some chili sauce or sriracha. It gives a nice kick to the dish. You could also mix in some chipotle powder for a smoky flavor. Each addition can change the taste and keep it interesting. - How to Store Leftovers Place any leftover grilled chicken sweet potato bowls in airtight containers. Make sure to separate the ingredients if you prefer. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. - Duration for Safe Consumption Store the bowls in the fridge for up to four days. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it's best to toss them out for safety. - Steps for Freezing Bowls To freeze the bowls, first let them cool completely. Pack the chicken, sweet potatoes, and other ingredients in freezer-safe containers. Label each container with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. - Reheating Instructions To reheat, take the bowl out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it in the microwave until hot. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. What can I substitute for sweet potatoes? You can use regular potatoes, butternut squash, or carrots. Each option adds a unique taste. Sweet potatoes add a creamy texture. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite. How can I make this dish vegetarian? To make this bowl vegetarian, swap chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas. Both options provide protein. You can still enjoy all the veggies and flavors. Can I grill the chicken indoors? Yes, you can grill chicken indoors using a stovetop grill pan. Ensure good ventilation. Cook the chicken over medium heat for the same time as on an outdoor grill. Nutritional Information Breakdown This meal is packed with nutrients. Each serving contains protein from chicken and beans. Sweet potatoes add fiber. Avocado gives healthy fats, while bell peppers provide vitamins. This bowl is well-balanced and tasty. Meal Prep Tips for Busy Weekdays To save time, prepare ingredients ahead. Dice sweet potatoes and veggies a day before. You can also grill chicken in bulk. Store everything in the fridge. This makes it easy to assemble quick meals. This blog post covered how to create a delicious chicken bowl with sweet potatoes. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and cooking methods. I shared tips to ensure your chicken is juicy and your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked. You can also customize your bowl with different proteins and flavors. Remember, storing leftovers properly keeps them fresh longer. With these insights, you can whip up a satisfying meal any day. Enjoy your cooking, and make your bowls fun and flavorful!

Grilled Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, black beans, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your grill to a medium-high temperature (about 375°F-400°F), allowing it to heat up while you prepare the other ingredients.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Ensure that all the sweet potato pieces are uniformly coated with the seasonings for optimal flavor.
  • Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Place them on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has attractive grill marks.
  • While the chicken is grilling, you can cook the sweet potatoes. Place them in a grill basket and grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred. Alternatively, for an oven method, roast the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until tender all the way through.
  • As the chicken and sweet potatoes cook, get the remaining ingredients ready. Dice the red bell pepper and slice the avocado to be added fresh to the bowls.
  • Once everything is cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. In each serving bowl, begin with a generous layer of sweet potatoes as the base. Follow this with a serving of black beans, sliced grilled chicken, diced red bell pepper, and fresh avocado.
  • To finish, drizzle fresh lime juice over each bowl and top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a zesty flavor boost.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, use clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers, and consider serving with lime wedges on the side for an extra splash of citrus.
Keyword grilled chicken, healthy bowls, meal prep, sweet potatoes