If you’re craving a meal that wraps you up in the cozy flavors of autumn, the Fall Sweet Potato Harvest Bowls with Chicken & Apples Recipe has got you covered. This vibrant bowl is a wonderful celebration of comforting roasted sweet potatoes, juicy chicken, crisp apples, and hearty kale, all brought together with a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and a little bit of crunch, making every bite a total delight and a celebration of the season’s best produce. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for a satisfying, wholesome fall meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal baking tray is shown on a white marbled background, with eight pieces of cooked chicken thighs on the left side. The chicken pieces are light golden with a sprinkle of black pepper on top. On the right side, there are many small orange cubes of cooked sweet potatoes spread evenly across half the tray, some pieces showing darker brown edges. The tray and food are viewed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is the first step toward creating a bowl that’s bursting with fall flavors. Each component plays an essential role: the sweetness of the potatoes and apples, the richness of the chicken, and the freshness of the kale all combine for a well-rounded taste and texture.

2 medium sweet potatoes, diced: Choose firm, bright orange sweet potatoes for the best sweetness and texture when roasted.
1 teaspoon olive oil: Just enough to help the sweet potatoes roast perfectly golden and tender.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, but feel free to substitute with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy depth to the dressing.
6 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a smooth, rich dressing that beautifully coats the bowl ingredients.
1 clove garlic, grated or crushed: Infuses the dressing with a fragrant kick.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a creamy, slightly sharp edge.
1 small bunch kale, stemmed and chopped (about 8 cups): Adds a lovely leafy green texture and boosts the nutrition.
2 cups cooked brown rice: Use hot or cold; ready-made pouches save time and add wholesome bulk.
1 Fuji apple, diced: Crisp and sweet, providing a fresh contrast to the savory elements.
1/4 cup sliced almonds: Offers a delightful nutty crunch.
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese: Adds creamy tang to balance out the sweetness and acidity.

How to Make Fall Sweet Potato Harvest Bowls with Chicken & Apples Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss your diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until every cube is lightly coated. Spread them out on a sheet pan so they roast evenly. After about 10 minutes, they’ll start to turn golden and soft, setting the base for your harvest bowl.

Step 2: Add the Chicken to Roast

Once the sweet potatoes have roasted for a bit, move them to one side of the sheet pan to clear some space. Lay the chicken thighs in a single layer beside the sweet potatoes and season them with salt and pepper. Pop the pan back in the oven for 15 to 17 minutes, until the chicken reaches that perfect 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.

Step 3: Whip Up the Balsamic Dressing

While the chicken and sweet potatoes are cooking, shake up the dressing. Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a jar with a lid. Give it a vigorous shake until it’s creamy and well emulsified. This dressing is the magic tie that binds all the flavors of the bowl together.

Step 4: Assemble Your Harvest Bowls

Now for the fun part! Divide the chopped kale, cooked brown rice, diced Fuji apple, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat cheese evenly between four bowls. Top each with juicy roasted chicken and those beautifully caramelized sweet potato cubes. Finish by drizzling the balsamic dressing all over and giving everything a gentle toss so each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors.

How to Serve Fall Sweet Potato Harvest Bowls with Chicken & Apples Recipe

Two white bowls on a white marbled surface hold fresh salads with multiple layers. The bottom layer is green kale leaves, topped with small chunks of light brown grilled chicken, scattered orange cubes of roasted sweet potatoes, and light brown cooked rice. There are also thin slices of red apple with white flesh placed on the sides of each bowl. Small white dollops of cottage cheese are spread across the bowls, with slivered almonds sprinkled on top. A brown dressing is drizzled over the salad. Nearby, there is a small white bowl filled with slivered almonds and a glass jar with brown dressing and a spoon inside, placed on a white saucer atop an orange cloth. A wooden board holds the lower bowl, which rests on a white cloth napkin next to two black forks with swirled handles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For extra flair, sprinkle a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over your bowl. A few more sliced almonds or an extra crumble of goat cheese right before serving can add that final touch of texture and creaminess that will have everyone excited for the first bite.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out the meal, a warm, crusty bread or an herby quinoa salad can complement the hearty bowls beautifully. Alternatively, a light, crisp apple cider or a sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing drink pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the ingredients in clear glass jars for a stunning visual presentation, perfect for meal prep or packed lunches. Or alternatively, serve in large rustic bowls and provide individual dressing portions on the side for guests to add as they like, making it interactive and fun at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack your Fall Sweet Potato Harvest Bowls with Chicken & Apples Recipe leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate. The components keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often develop nicely overnight, making it an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

While the roasted sweet potatoes and chicken freeze well, the fresh kale, apple, and dressing are best added fresh. Freeze individual portions of chicken and sweet potatoes separately, and thaw them in the fridge overnight for quick bowl assembly later.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To keep the kale crisp and apples fresh, add those just before serving to maintain the bowl’s delightful textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine but tends to be leaner and can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and maybe reduce the cooking time slightly for the best results.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein, and replace goat cheese with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the creamy flavor.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Fuji apples are ideal because they’re sweet yet crisp, providing a nice contrast to the savory and earthy ingredients. However, Gala or Honeycrisp apples are tasty substitutes.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the chicken a day ahead. Keep the salad components separate and assemble bowls just before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

How can I make the dressing thicker or creamier?

For a creamier texture, try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini to the dressing before shaking it up. This adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Fall Sweet Potato Harvest Bowls with Chicken & Apples Recipe that warms you from the inside out. The combination of roasted veggies, tender chicken, crisp fruit, and tangy dressing hits all the right notes for an irresistible autumn meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy this delicious taste of the season as much as I do!

Fall Sweet Potato Harvest Bowls with Chicken & Apples Recipe