01 -
First things first, preheat your oven to a good hot 400°F (200°C). While it's warming up, grab those sweet potatoes. Peel them, then chop them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them fairly uniform in size; this is where I always try to be precise, because uneven pieces mean uneven cooking, and nobody wants half-mushy, half-hard potatoes! Pop them into a large bowl, ready for their flavor bath.
02 -
Drizzle the chopped sweet potatoes with about half of the olive oil. Now, sprinkle them generously with half of the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give them a good toss – really get in there with your hands (clean ones, of course!) to make sure every single sweet potato cube is coated. This is where they start to smell amazing, even before they hit the oven. Honestly, a good coating here is crucial for that lovely caramelization.
03 -
Next up, let's get that chicken ready for your Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel; this helps them get a nice sear. Cut them into 1-inch pieces, similar in size to your sweet potatoes. I once cut them too big, and they took forever, so learn from my "oops" moment! Put the chicken pieces in a separate bowl and toss them with the remaining olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is nicely coated.
04 -
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper – seriously, this is a game-changer for cleanup! Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on one half of the baking sheet. Then, arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer on the other half. Try not to overcrowd the pan; if things are too close, they'll steam instead of roast, and we're going for crispy here, hon. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it roast for 15 minutes.
05 -
After 15 minutes, pull the baking sheet out. Carefully flip the sweet potato pieces and the chicken pieces so they can get golden on all sides. This step is where I always remind myself to really check those sweet potatoes – I love them with a bit of char! Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender and beautifully caramelized. Trust your nose here, too – it starts to smell incredible!
06 -
Once everything is perfectly cooked, pull the sheet pan from the oven. The kitchen will smell absolutely divine, I promise! Divide the roasted chicken and sweet potatoes between two bowls. If you're using fresh parsley, sprinkle a little over each bowl for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving adds a brightness that really ties the flavors together. That moment when you scoop it into the bowls, all golden and bubbly? Pure kitchen joy, I tell ya. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls!