Harvest Bowl with Chicken (Printable)

Vibrant bowl with kale, wild rice, roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, apples, almonds, and goat cheese in balsamic dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Grains

05 - 1 cup uncooked wild rice
06 - 2 cups water or chicken broth

→ Vegetables & Fruit

07 - 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
12 - 1 medium apple, cored and diced

→ Toppings

13 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds
14 - 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

→ Balsamic Dressing

15 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
16 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
17 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
18 - 1 teaspoon honey
19 - 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
20 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss diced sweet potato with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread on half of the baking sheet.
03 - Rub chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Place on the other half of the baking sheet.
04 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping sweet potatoes halfway through, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and sweet potatoes are tender. Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice.
05 - Rinse rice under cold water. Combine rice and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid.
06 - Whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
07 - Combine chopped kale with a drizzle of dressing and a pinch of salt. Massage for 1 to 2 minutes until tender.
08 - Create each bowl by layering massaged kale as base, then top with wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, sliced chicken, diced apple, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with remaining balsamic dressing.
09 - Serve immediately while components are at optimal temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins from kale, sweet potatoes, and fresh apples.
  • Perfect Texture: A delightful mix of crunchy almonds, creamy goat cheese, and chewy wild rice.
  • Gluten-Free: A naturally gluten-free meal that doesn't compromise on heartiness.
  • Easy Prep: Simple roasting and assembly make this accessible for any home cook.
02 -
  • Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken at exactly 165°F to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
  • Apple Choice: Use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for the best balance of sweetness and crunch.
  • Toasted Nuts: Briefly toasting the almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before serving significantly enhances their nutty aroma.
Return