Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Pan-Seared Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 5–6 thighs)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Maple Dijon Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Bowls:
- 5 cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
- 1 crisp red apple such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the peeled, cubed sweet potatoes with avocado oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 18–20 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until browned at the edges and tender. Keeping the cubes close to 1/2 inch ensures even cooking.
- Season Chicken: While the sweet potatoes roast, pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Evenly season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Pan-Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add avocado oil, then place the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 4–6 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Maple Dijon Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Adjust salt or sweetness to taste.
- Massage the Kale: Place chopped kale into a large bowl and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of the maple Dijon dressing. Massage the kale with clean hands for 30–60 seconds until it darkens and softens but remains structured.
- Slice Chicken: After resting, slice each chicken thigh across the grain into approximately 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the massaged kale evenly into four bowls. Top each with roasted sweet potatoes, sliced chicken, thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, and roasted pecans. Drizzle remaining dressing generously over each bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep sweet potato cubes uniform in size (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even roasting.
- Massage kale well to soften and reduce bitterness for better texture and flavor.
- Resting the chicken before slicing helps retain its juices and tenderness.
- Adjust the maple syrup in the dressing to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Use organic or high-quality ingredients for the cleanest flavor, especially the olive oil and maple syrup.
- For a nut-free option, omit pecans or substitute with roasted seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting, Pan-Seared (Stovetop)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free