There’s nothing quite like a hearty meal to warm you up on these fall days. One dish that perfectly captures the flavors of fall is the Sweet Potato Bowl filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and nutritious kale. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory ingredients, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This dish is a perfect way to showcase the versatility of sweet potatoes while incorporating protein and greens.
Ingredients Needed
To make these delicious sweet potato bowls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, cut in half lengthwise
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4-1/2″ chunks
- 10 slices bacon, diced
- 1 cup red onion, diced
- 1 bunch kale, torn from stems and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
How to Make It
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by scrubbing the sweet potatoes and patting them dry. Slice them in half lengthwise and drizzle the flesh side with avocado oil or olive oil. Place the sweet potatoes cut side down on a baking sheet and roast them for about 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skin begins to shrivel and the flesh is soft to the touch.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and red onion to the skillet, letting them cook together until the bacon is crispy and the onions are caramelized, which should take about 7-8 minutes. While this is happening, cube the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the bacon and onions are ready, add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, and dill, stirring everything together. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Finally, fold in the chopped kale and stir until it wilts down, creating a colorful and hearty filling.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
When the sweet potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Take one half of a sweet potato, mash the flesh slightly, and then fill it generously with the chicken-bacon-kale mixture. Repeat this for the remaining sweet potatoes, and you have a vibrant, comforting meal ready to enjoy.
These Sweet Potato Bowls are a celebration of fall flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of the potatoes with the savory elements of chicken and bacon, all while adding a healthy dose of kale. Not only is this dish satisfying and nourishing, but it’s also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this warm, comforting bowl of goodness!