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Colorful chicken protein bowl with quinoa, sweet potatoes, kale, and sliced chicken, garnished with almonds

Chicken Protein Bowl with Sweet Potato, Kale, and Quinoa

This chicken protein bowl features juicy chicken breasts, nutty quinoa, and vibrant vegetables like sweet potatoes and kale. Enjoy a healthy chicken bowl recipe that's packed with nutrients and flavors, perfect for quick meal prep!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 586 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa (½ cup dry quinoa cooked according to package directions)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered
  • 1 medium-large sweet potato
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 bunch curly kale, washed and chopped
  • ½ avocado, for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, sea salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth dressing.
  • Set aside 6 tablespoons of the dressing. Use the remaining dressing to marinate the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes. Stir, then toast for another 5 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
  • Turn the oven heat to 400°F. Toss the Brussels sprouts and sweet potato chunks with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground pepper in a large bowl. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, tossing halfway through, until fork-tender and caramelized.
  • When the vegetables are halfway through roasting, heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the excess.
  • Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden-brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven alongside the vegetables and bake for 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped kale and sauté for 4-5 minutes, salting to taste, until tender and bright green.
  • Assemble each bowl with ½ cup quinoa, a portion of roasted vegetables, sautéed kale, and one piece of sliced chicken. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the reserved dressing. Add sliced avocado if desired.

Notes

Toasted almonds: Feel free to purchase toasted almond slices so you don't have to toast them yourself. Lower fat: You can skip the almonds and avocado to lower the fat content if needed.