Description
This Cajun Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl is a flavorful, nutritious meal combining roasted spiced sweet potatoes, tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, and fresh vegetables over a bed of brown rice or quinoa. Perfect for a healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free dinner or meal prep that is vibrant, filling, and packed with balanced proteins and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ avocado, sliced
- Juice of ½ lime
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Optional Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan or regular mayo
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Pinch of Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and roast sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the peeled and diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender.
- Prepare and cook Cajun chicken: While the sweet potatoes roast, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly into four bowls. Top each bowl with the roasted sweet potatoes, Cajun chicken, fresh spinach or kale, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Drizzle each serving with fresh lime juice and the optional sauce if using. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the bowls warm for a delicious and balanced meal. For meal prep, store components separately and add avocado fresh before serving to maintain its texture and color.
Notes
- For meal prepping, keep the ingredients separate and add avocado just before eating to avoid browning.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning in the chicken to customize the level of spiciness.
- Use quinoa instead of brown rice for a gluten-free or protein-rich variation.
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts depending on preference for leaner or more tender meat.
- The optional sauce adds a creamy zing; omit it for a lighter dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
