If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, colors, and comforting textures, this Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl with Chipotle Mayo Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. It’s a vibrant bowl filled with juicy, Cajun-seasoned chicken, roasted sweet potatoes that are perfectly tender, and crisp broccoli florets, all nestled on a bed of fluffy white rice. What really takes it over the top is the luscious, smoky chipotle mayo that ties every bite together with a creamy kick. This dish is a beautiful harmony of spicy, sweet, and savory notes that come together in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent—a true weeknight winner you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three baking trays are placed vertically on a white marbled surface. The top tray contains small, browned, and slightly crispy orange-colored cubes spread unevenly on a parchment paper with dark brown roasted spots underneath. The middle tray has bright green broccoli florets scattered across the surface, some showing slight charring and textured with roasted bits. The bottom tray holds evenly spaced orange sweet potato cubes, lightly browned and roasted with rough edges. At the bottom right corner of the image, there are three whole sweet potatoes. A white cloth with a blue grid pattern is partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Everything in this recipe is straightforward but essential, each ingredient playing a starring role in creating a balanced and flavorful meal. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes contrasts perfectly with the spicy Cajun seasoning and smoky chipotle mayo, while the chicken brings satisfying protein and the broccoli adds crunch and freshness.

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Use bite-sized pieces for easy roasting and perfect bites.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Olive oil helps everything roast beautifully with a golden finish.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided): Adds a bold, spicy flavor that wakes up both the chicken and veggies.
  • 3 sweet potatoes (peeled and diced): Roasted to sweet, tender perfection to balance the dish.
  • 3 cups broccoli florets: Provide a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and vibrant green color.
  • Cooked white rice: The comforting base that soaks up all the tasty juices and sauce.
  • Sliced avocado: Creamy and cooling, a perfect contrast to the spices.
  • Fresh chopped green onions (optional): Add a mild oniony brightness and fresh garnish.
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the chipotle mayo sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili pepper powder: Brings smoky heat that’s the heart of the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a gentle savory boost.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
  • 1 teaspoon honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste: Adds a subtle spicy kick and depth.

How to Make Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl with Chipotle Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep things simple and easy to clean. Spread the diced sweet potatoes and broccoli florets evenly on one or two sheets. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and sprinkle half of the Cajun seasoning over them. Toss everything gently to coat so that every bite gets that beautiful seasoning and a light olive oil glaze.

Step 2: Season and Roast the Chicken

Next, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining olive oil and Cajun seasoning until they’re well-coated. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a separate sheet pan. Cooking the chicken separately ensures it roasts up juicy and gets that perfect crisp exterior.

Step 3: Bake Everything to Perfection

Place the chicken and veggie pans in the oven. Roast for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and broccoli turns tender-crisp. Remove the chicken and broccoli sheets, but keep the sweet potatoes in the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing them to get soft enough to melt in your mouth without losing their shape.

Step 4: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo Sauce

While the roasting magic happens, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. This sauce adds that smoky, zesty creaminess that you’ll not want to skip. It’s where the whole bowl shines.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl with Chipotle Mayo Recipe

Now comes the fun part! Scoop a generous portion of cooked white rice into your bowl, then layer the roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli on top. Add slices of creamy avocado and sprinkle with fresh green onions if you’re using them. Drizzle with the chipotle mayo sauce to finish—it’s the ultimate flavor hug.

How to Serve Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl with Chipotle Mayo Recipe

A clear rectangular container holds a meal with four layers: the bottom layer is white rice, followed by small orange roasted sweet potato cubes and golden-brown seasoned chicken pieces with a light sauce drizzled on top; next are green roasted broccoli florets with a slightly crispy texture; and the top layer features a sliced light green avocado placed in the center, all sprinkled with chopped green onions. Surrounding the container are a white bowl with light orange creamy sauce on a white marbled surface, roasted broccoli on a baking sheet, two whole sweet potatoes, and a white bowl with similar food on the right, with a white tea towel and metal forks in the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions add a mild, peppery freshness that brightens up each bite. Don’t underestimate the power of avocado slices either—they lend a luscious creaminess that provides balance to the spices. A little extra drizzle of chipotle mayo on top makes every mouthful irresistible.

Side Dishes

This bowl is satisfying on its own, but if you want to turn the meal into a feast, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements it beautifully. Alternatively, some warm tortilla chips with guacamole or a simple corn salsa bring extra texture and flavor variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner, serve everything family-style so everyone can build their own bowls, which makes the meal feel interactive and fun. For a more polished presentation, arrange the components neatly in separate sections of the bowl, finishing with a decorative swirl of chipotle mayo and vibrant green onions for that Instagram-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place the roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stored properly, leftovers last up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the rice or the chipotle mayo sauce—those are best made fresh or refrigerated for short-term use.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken and veggies in the oven or a skillet to retain their roasted textures, rather than the microwave, which can make them soggy. Reheat the rice separately with a splash of water, and add fresh avocado and chipotle mayo just before serving for maximum flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white rice complements the dish nicely, you can swap in brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just be mindful of cooking times and moisture levels.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

You can replace the chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas and swap the mayo for a vegan mayonnaise alternative. The chipotle mayo sauce is easy to adapt and keeps that signature smoky flavor.

How spicy is the chipotle mayo?

The chipotle chili powder provides a smoky heat that’s noticeable but not overwhelming. If you prefer milder flavors, use less chipotle powder or mix in more mayonnaise to tone down the spice.

Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and broccoli a day ahead and store them in the fridge. The chipotle mayo sauce also keeps well for a couple of days, making assembly on the day-of quick and easy.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper for a quick homemade alternative that works just as well.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl with Chipotle Mayo Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a special treat yet comes together quickly enough for a weekday dinner. The marriage of smoky, spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors will quickly make it a new favorite in your rotation. I promise, once you try it, you’ll look forward to making it again and again (and maybe even sharing it with friends!).

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Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl with Chipotle Mayo Recipe

Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl with Chipotle Mayo Recipe


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4 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Bowl is a vibrant, healthy meal combining juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and broccoli, served over fluffy white rice with a creamy chipotle sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh avocado and green onions, it’s an easy 45-minute dinner that packs bold flavors and nourishing ingredients into every bite.


Ingredients

Protein & Veggies

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided

Rice & Toppings

  • 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 Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line three sheet pans — or two large ones — with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  2. Toss Vegetables with Oil and Seasoning: Spread the diced sweet potatoes and broccoli florets evenly onto one large sheet pan or divide them between two. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with half the Cajun seasoning (½ tablespoon), then toss everything together to coat evenly.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the other half tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until they’re well coated. Spread the chicken in a single layer on the third sheet pan for even cooking.
  4. Bake Chicken and Vegetables: Place all pans in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then, remove the chicken and broccoli pans, but return the sweet potatoes to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Make the Chipotle Sauce: While baking finishes, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), chipotle chili pepper powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: To serve, layer cooked white rice in bowls, then top with roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Garnish with sliced avocado, chopped green onions if using, and a generous drizzle of the chipotle sauce. Enjoy your warm, flavorful bowl!

Notes

  • You can swap mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt in the sauce to reduce fat and add protein.
  • If you prefer spicier sauce, increase the chipotle chili powder slightly.
  • For a gluten-free meal, ensure your Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten additives.
  • Leftover components can be stored separately and reheated for meal prep.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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