Sweet Potato, Quinoa, Chicken, and Black Bean Power Bowls

This is one of those meals where you’re not sure what to make, so you take what you have and throw it all together, hoping it makes something good. Not gonna lie, this is how I cook 90% of the time. Planning out meals is awesome, and I try to do it, but a lot of the time life gets in the way. So this is how I create a balanced power bowl using pantry staples and some things you might already have in the fridge. This bowl is PACKED with micronutrients and it hits all the texture and flavor requirements for a good meal. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato, Quinoa, Chicken, and Black Bean Power Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa

• 2 cups water or broth

• 3-4 sweet potatoes

• Seasonings for sweet potato: chili powder, onion powder, cumin, garlic, za’atar

• 8-10oz grilled chicken (to simplify, I buy frozen grilled chicken and heat it up in the air fryer - this is also optional)

• Feta cheese ~ 1 Tbsp

• Pickled red onion for topping

• Can of black beans, drained and rinsed

• Seasonings for the black beans: nutritional yeast and garlic salt

Garlic Herb Sauce

• any leafy greens, herbs, or herb paste you have on hand - I used parsley, green onion (although you can omit this since it comes out very onion-y), basil paste, and leftover pesto

• ~2 Tbsp of hummus

• a garlic clove

• ~2 tsp olive oil

• salt and pepper to taste, can also add lemon juice or white wine vinegar for acidity to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Start by cooking 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water or broth.

2. While that’s cooking, chop up sweet potatoes and add oil and spices of choice, then throw those in the oven at 425ºF.

3. While the potatoes and quinoa cook, let’s make the sauce.

4. Take a food processor and add in all the sauce ingredients. Mix it up and adjust the flavors to taste.

5. Prep your black beans by taking them out of the can, washing and rinsing them thoroughly, then adding in your seasonings.

6. You can also make some chicken or use a pre-made one (rotisserie chicken is a good idea, or frozen grilled chicken that you heat up in the oven or air fryer).

7. When the potatoes and quinoa are done, you’re ready to assemble! Add quinoa as your base, then add on top the black beans, chicken, sweet potato, pickled red onion, and feta cheese. Top with your sauce and you’re ready to serve.