Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

If you’re hunting for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, super satisfying, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week, you’re going to love this Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe. It’s packed with juicy, spicy chicken, tender roasted sweet potatoes, and vibrant broccoli, all nestled on a bed of fluffy white rice and topped with a creamy chipotle sauce that takes it over the edge. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a go-to staple in your dinner rotation—you’ll soon see why I absolutely love it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with bold flavors: The Cajun seasoning combined with a smoky chipotle sauce creates a perfect spicy-sweet taste balance.
  • Simple and quick: Roasting everything on sheet pans means minimal mess and hands-on time.
  • Nutritious and balanced: You get protein, veggies, and carbs all in one satisfying bowl.
  • Family-approved: My family absolutely goes crazy for this, and you’ll see why once you serve it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe lies in its fresh, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one brings a unique texture and flavor, so don’t skip on anything if you want the full experience!

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, diced sweet potatoes with bright orange flesh, fresh green broccoli florets, sliced ripe avocado with vibrant green flesh, a small mound of fluffy cooked white rice, a few whole green onions with white bulbs and green stalks, small white ceramic bowls containing golden olive oil, creamy white mayonnaise, deep red chipotle chili powder, pale beige garlic powder, fresh yellow lemon wedges, light amber honey, coarse white salt crystals, and cracked black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl, Cajun Chicken dinner ideas, healthy rice bowl recipes, spicy chicken and sweet potato bowls, easy dinner recipes
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like using chicken breast here for lean protein that roasts up juicy and tender when cut bite-sized.
  • Olive oil: This helps everything get that perfect roast—don’t forget to divide it for chicken and veggies.
  • Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend—my go-to store-bought mix works great, but you can make your own if you love tweaking flavors.
  • Sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced, they add sweetness and heartiness to balance the spicy chicken.
  • Broccoli florets: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds that bright green pop in your bowl.
  • Cooked white rice: The base of the bowl—fluffy and neutral, it’s perfect to soak up all those juicy flavors.
  • Sliced avocado: Adds creaminess and a cool contrast that’s just heavenly alongside the spices.
  • Fresh chopped green onions (optional): A splash of freshness and mild oniony crunch that finishes it off perfectly.
  • Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the chipotle sauce—you can switch between the two depending on how rich or tangy you want it.
  • Chipotle chili pepper powder: Adds smoky heat—start with less if you’re spice-sensitive, you can always add more.
  • Garlic powder: A background layer of savory goodness.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and balances richness.
  • Honey: Just a touch to mellow and round out the chipotle sauce flavors.
  • Salt and black pepper: Don’t be shy with seasoning—it’s key to bring all components alive.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe is so flexible—you can easily make it your own by swapping or adding a few things based on what you have or fancy that day.

  • Veggie Swap: I sometimes replace broccoli with cauliflower or asparagus—both roast beautifully and bring a different texture.
  • Protein Twist: For a change, try shrimp or tofu seasoned with the Cajun blend; it works surprisingly well!
  • Grain Alternatives: Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice make great bases if you want to tweak carbs.
  • Mild Version: Dial down the chipotle powder or Cajun seasoning if you’re cooking for kids or sensitive palates.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast Your Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining your sheet pans with parchment paper. Toss the diced sweet potatoes and broccoli florets in half of the olive oil and half the Cajun seasoning—this combo helps the veggies caramelize beautifully without burning. Spread them out evenly on your pan to make sure they roast rather than steam. Pop them in the oven so they start softening and getting that gorgeous golden color.

Step 2: Season and Roast the Chicken

While the veggies start roasting, coat the chicken pieces with the remaining olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Lay them out on their own sheet pan in a single layer for even cooking. This part is key: don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of getting that lovely sear. Slide them into the oven alongside your veggies and roast everything together for about 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 3: Finish Roasting the Sweet Potatoes

Once the chicken is done, take it and the broccoli out of the oven. The sweet potatoes need a bit more time to get fork-tender and caramelized, so return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. This step gives them that melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly complements the chicken.

Step 4: Whip Up the Chipotle Sauce

While the last batch of sweet potatoes roasts, mix the chipotle sauce in a small bowl. Combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. This sauce is the game-changer—I discovered this trick when I wanted a sauce that balanced spice with creaminess and tang, and now I never skip it!

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy

Now it’s time to build your bowl. Lay down a base of cooked white rice, then pile on the Cajun chicken, the tender sweet potatoes, and roasted broccoli. Add sliced avocado on top for creaminess and freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions if you like, and drizzle with your chipotle sauce. Every bite has that perfect mix of flavors and textures—delicious and comforting.

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Pro Tips for Making Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

  • Evenly Sized Pieces: Cutting chicken and sweet potatoes into similar-sized chunks helps everything cook evenly—no surprises with raw centers.
  • Don’t Skip Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and keeps those sweet potatoes from sticking and burning.
  • Test Chicken Internal Temp: Using a meat thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time—no guesswork.
  • Customize the Heat Level: If you love spice, add extra chipotle powder or Cajun seasoning; for mild tastes, reduce it—easy to adjust!

How to Serve Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

A white bowl filled with three main layers: white rice at the bottom on the left side, roasted orange sweet potato cubes on the right, and golden-brown cooked chicken pieces in the center. On top and to the left, there are green roasted broccoli florets, some drizzled with a light brown creamy sauce. Sliced avocado with bright light green hues sits above the broccoli. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a white and black checkered cloth nearby, holding three silver forks. A white bowl of light brown creamy sauce, raw sweet potatoes, and a baking tray with roasted broccoli are also visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl, Cajun Chicken dinner ideas, healthy rice bowl recipes, spicy chicken and sweet potato bowls, easy dinner recipes

Garnishes

When I serve this bowl, I love topping it with sliced avocado for creaminess—it cools down the heat and adds richness. Fresh chopped green onions are my go-to for a subtle crunch and brightness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro when I want it to feel extra vibrant and fresh.

Side Dishes

While the bowl is filling on its own, I occasionally pair it with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted corn or brisk coleslaw with a bit of tang can also make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe in colorful bowls layered beautifully, with each ingredient distinct yet harmonious. You can even set out toppings like fresh herbs, avocado slices, and chipotle sauce as a DIY bar—guests love customizing their bowls! It’s as fun as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the sauce separate if possible to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. When I reheat, the chicken stays juicy and the veggies still taste vibrant.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to meal prep. I freeze the chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli without the sauce in portioned containers. When thawing, I recommend microwaving gently then adding fresh avocado and sauce just before serving to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. To prevent drying, add a splash of water or broth before reheating. Add fresh avocado slices and a drizzle of chipotle sauce just before eating for the best flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Cajun seasoning and other spices don’t contain any hidden gluten additives. Always check labels, especially for seasoning blends and sauces.

  2. Can I use brown rice or other grains instead of white rice?

    Yes! Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice make great alternatives and can add more nutrients or different textures. Just cook them according to package directions before assembling your bowl.

  3. What if I don’t have chipotle chili powder for the sauce?

    You can substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to get a similar smoky and spicy flavor. Adjust amounts to your spice tolerance.

  4. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

    Yes! You can prep and roast the chicken and veggies ahead, store them in the fridge, and assemble the bowls when ready. The chipotle sauce can be made a day or two before as well for convenience.

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting without being complicated. I used to struggle with finding meals that tick all the boxes—healthy, flavorful, quick—and this one checks every single one. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and share it with your loved ones as much as I do. Once you do, I have no doubt it’ll become as much of a favorite in your home as it is in mine!

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Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

Cajun Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 249 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is a vibrant, wholesome meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and broccoli, all served over fluffy white rice. Topped with creamy chipotle sauce, avocado slices, and optional fresh green onions, this bowl combines smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors for a satisfying and nutritious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Vegetables

  • 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Other

  • Cooked white rice, for serving
  • Sliced avocado, for serving
  • Fresh chopped green onions, optional for garnish

Chipotle Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line 3 sheet pans (or 2 large ones) with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
  2. Prepare vegetables: Spread the diced sweet potatoes and broccoli florets on one large sheet pan or split between two smaller pans. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning, then toss everything together to coat evenly.
  3. Prepare chicken: In a separate bowl, toss chicken pieces with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning until well coated. Spread the chicken in a single layer on the third sheet pan.
  4. Roast all components: Place all pans in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove chicken and broccoli from the oven, but return the sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until fork-tender and caramelized.
  5. Make the chipotle sauce: While the food is roasting, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, chipotle chili pepper powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble bowls: To serve, layer cooked white rice in bowls, then top with roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Add avocado slices and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh green onions. Drizzle with chipotle sauce and enjoy your flavorful rice bowl!

Notes

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier chipotle sauce.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning and chipotle powder according to your preferred spice level.
  • This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for easy meal prep.
  • Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a whole grain alternative.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F to guarantee food safety.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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