One recipe that has consistently been a winner in my kitchen is the Chicken Balanced Bowl with Cauli-Rice and Roasted Veggies. As someone always looking for delicious and nutritious meals that are easy to prepare, this dish has become a staple in my weekly menu. I can’t wait to share this culinary gem with you. Whether you’re striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle, need a meal-prep option, or crave a mouthwatering dinner, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients on hand:
Sweet Potato
- 1 sweet potato (roughly 150g)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Mixed Greens
- 2 cups mixed spring greens
- 2 tsp coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup purple cabbage
- 2 tsp green onion tops
Cauli-Rice
- 1/2 head cauliflower
- 1/4 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Sea salt, to taste
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
Chicken
- 2 – 3-4oz chicken breasts
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Sea salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp melted coconut oil
Toppings
- 1/4 Avocado
- Chia seeds (sprinkled on Avocado)
Now that we’ve got everything we need, let’s get cooking!
Cooking Directions
Sweet Potato
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the sweet potato into medallions.
- Place the sweet potato medallions in a baking dish, coat them with coconut oil, and season with sea salt and dried oregano.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until soft and slightly browned.
Chicken
- Rub the chicken breasts with melted coconut oil and sprinkle both sides with salt, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Place the chicken on a broiler pan.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, flip the chicken, and continue cooking until it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes more.
- Remove the chicken from the pan, let it cool, and then cut it into cubes.
Mixed Greens
- Mix the mixed spring greens, green onion tops, and purple cabbage.
- Toss the mixture with coconut aminos and set it aside. (Note: If you are meal prepping, don’t add coconut aminos until ready to eat to avoid wilting.)
Cauli-Rice
- In a food processor, add the cauliflower and pulse about 5-6 times until it reaches a “rice” consistency.
- Over medium heat, melt coconut oil in a pan and add the cauli-rice and orange bell pepper.
- Season with dried oregano and sea salt.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the bell pepper is soft.
Assembly
- When everything is ready, start assembling your balanced bowl.
- Begin with a base of cauli-rice, then add the mixed greens, sweet potato medallions, and chicken cubes.
- Top it all off with sliced Avocado and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To prepare this Chicken Balanced Bowl, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Baking dish
- Food processor
- Broiler pan
- Medium-sized pan
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though it’s so delicious, that might not happen!), here’s how to store them:
- Place the individual components (cauli-rice, mixed greens, sweet potato, and chicken) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Sliced Avocado can be stored with a sprinkle of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat your desired components and assemble your bowl.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
This Chicken Balanced Bowl is highly customizable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Spice It Up: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more of your favorite vegetables to the cauli-rice mix, like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
- Nutty Crunch: Add some toasted nuts or seeds for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
FAQ
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the components in advance and assemble your balanced bowl when ready to eat. Remember not to add the coconut aminos to the mixed greens until you’re ready to enjoy them to keep them fresh.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, you can! Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version of this dish.
Q: What can I serve as a side dish with this balanced bowl?
A: A simple side salad or fruit would complement this dish nicely. Consider pairing it with a refreshing cucumber salad or fresh berries.
Conclusion
This Chicken Balanced Bowl with Cauli-Rice and Roasted Veggies is more than just a recipe; it’s a go-to solution for a healthy, satisfying meal. Customize it to your liking, and I’m sure it will also become a favorite in your household. Don’t keep this fantastic recipe to yourself. Please share it with your friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes and culinary inspiration. Enjoy your balanced bowl and happy eating!