Looking for a nutritious, high-protein, and flavor-packed meal? This Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl with Tahini Dressing combines tender roasted chicken, hearty quinoa, caramelized sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables with a creamy tahini drizzle for a satisfying bowl perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Gluten-free, naturally sweet, and full of healthy fats, this recipe is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-Packed & Nutrient-Dense: Chicken and quinoa deliver essential amino acids, while sweet potatoes add vitamin A and fiber.
Balanced Flavor: Sweet, savory, and slightly nutty from tahini—this bowl is flavor heaven.
Easy Meal Prep: Prepare several bowls at once for a week of healthy lunches or dinners.
Customizable: Swap veggies, add leafy greens, or try different proteins like salmon or tofu.
Gluten-Free & Wholesome: No refined grains, packed with fiber, and naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- Pinch of salt
For the Veggies & Garnish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Tahini Dressing:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp water, to thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
Cook the Chicken:
In a separate bowl, toss diced chicken with 1 tsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Spread on another baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until cooked through, golden, and juicy.
Cook the Quinoa:
In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add quinoa and a pinch of salt, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Prepare Tahini Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gradually add water until you reach a pourable consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide quinoa evenly into bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and red onion. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing and sprinkle with chopped parsley and sesame seeds.
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve warm for a hearty lunch or dinner. Perfect for meal prep—store ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Tips for the Perfect Quinoa Bowl

Avoid mushy quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove saponins, then fluff after cooking.
Roast evenly: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes for consistent cooking.
Tahini hacks: If tahini is too thick, slowly add warm water for smooth, creamy dressing.
Meal prep: Roast chicken and sweet potatoes in bulk; store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Variations & Substitutions

Protein swaps: Replace chicken with baked tofu, salmon, or chickpeas for vegetarian options.
Veggie swaps: Add roasted zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Grain swaps: Use brown rice, farro, or millet instead of quinoa if desired.
Spice variations: Add cumin, coriander, or chili powder to roasted veggies for extra flavor.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Quinoa: Often called a “superfood,” quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
Tahini: A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and adds a nutty, creamy flavor to dressings and sauces.
Sweet potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene, they were cultivated in the Americas thousands of years ago and are now a global superfood favorite.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for added crunch.
Serve with a side of warm pita or flatbread for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Why This Bowl is Meal-Prep Friendly

Chicken and sweet potatoes can be roasted ahead of time.
Quinoa reheats well and retains its fluffy texture.
Tahini dressing can be stored in a small jar for easy assembly during the week.

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g (healthy fats from olive oil and tahini)
Fiber: 8g
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

This Healthy Chicken & Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl with Tahini Dressing is your go-to for a wholesome, easy-to-make, and Instagram-worthy meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or enjoying a cozy dinner, this bowl delivers vibrant flavors, balanced nutrition, and comfort in every bite.