Description
Hearty roasted chicken, sweet potato, and kale bowls deliver Mediterranean-inspired comfort with balanced nutrients and robust flavors. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this nourishing meal perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) avocado oil
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 packed cups kale leaves
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice)
- 1 medium avocado, sliced or diced
- 2 tsps (10 mL) olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
- ¼ cup (60 mL) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsps (30 mL) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) chipotle sauce
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
- ½ tsp agave syrup (or honey)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and position rack in central position for even roasting.
- Seasoning Creation: Whisk spices together in a mixing bowl to develop a robust flavor profile for chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Sweet Potato Preparation: Toss diced sweet potatoes with avocado oil and half the spice blend, ensuring comprehensive coating. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Initial Roasting: Place sweet potatoes in the oven and roast for 10 minutes to initiate caramelization and softening.
- Chicken Integration: Massage chicken pieces with remaining avocado oil and spice mixture. Add chicken to the baking sheet alongside partially roasted sweet potatoes.
- Complete Roasting: Continue baking for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and sweet potatoes become tender and golden.
- Kale Conditioning: While roasting, massage kale leaves with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and kosher salt to enhance texture and flavor.
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk sauce ingredients in a bowl until achieving a smooth, consistent blend.
- Bowl Assembly: Layer cooked rice as the base, top with massaged kale, roasted sweet potato chunks, and perfectly cooked chicken pieces.
- Final Touches: Garnish with avocado slices, crumbled feta cheese, and optional green onions. Generously drizzle chipotle sauce over the composed bowls for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Prep Like a Pro: Dice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even roasting and prevent burning or uneven cooking.
- Temperature Mastery: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect food safety and juicy texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Massage kale with olive oil and lemon to break down tough fibers, making leaves more tender and delicious.
- Sauce Strategy: Whisk chipotle sauce thoroughly to prevent separation and create a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg