I absolutely love this Harvest Bowls with Roasted Vegetables, Coconut Rice, and Curry Chicken Recipe because it’s like a complete, comforting meal all in one bowl. You get the sweetness of roasted veggies, the creaminess of coconut rice, and the bold flavors of curry chicken that come together perfectly. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that feels both nourishing and a little fancy, without requiring hours in the kitchen.
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how easy it was to prep everything at once, and still end up with those layered flavors that make each bite a little celebration. You’ll find that this dish works wonderfully for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress friends with a colorful and healthy spread. Plus, the textures from crunchy pecans and juicy pomegranate add that wow factor every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors & Textures: Between the roasted veggies, creamy rice, and crunchy toppings, every bite is satisfying.
- Simple Prep, Big Impact: It looks impressive but comes together quickly with ingredients you can find easily.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can swap veggies or switch up the protein to suit your taste or diet.
- Great Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping, making busy weeknights a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut rice that all play off each other beautifully. When shopping, choose the freshest sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and look for good-quality coconut milk to give the rice a lush texture.
- Sweet Potato: Use firm, brightly colored sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and great roasting results.
- Brussels Sprouts: Choose small, tight sprouts—they roast faster and caramelize better.
- Olive Oil: A good quality oil adds richness and helps veggies roast nicely.
- Chicken Tenders or Breasts: Tenders cook faster; breasts are perfect if you prefer larger pieces.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- Curry Powder: Adds warmth and a gentle spice that’s key to the chicken and sauce.
- Pecan Halves: Toast them lightly for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Pomegranate: Fresh arils bring a juicy burst and vibrant color contrast.
- Avocado: Adds creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor.
- Water: Needed for cooking the coconut rice perfectly.
- Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Gives the rice its signature creamy, tropical flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Balances the coconut richness with a touch of sweetness.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the coconut rice and deeper flavors in the dish.
- Long-Grain White Rice (or Jasmine Rice): Fluffy rice variety that soaks up coconut flavors well.
- Honey, Yellow Mustard, Water, Cornstarch, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For making the sweet curry sauce that ties it all together.
Variations
I love how you can make this recipe your own by swapping in different veggies or proteins. Here are some ideas based on what I’ve tried and loved myself—feel free to experiment!
- Vegetable Swap: I once tried butternut squash and carrots instead of sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and it added a lovely sweetness and earthy vibe.
- Protein Options: Using chickpeas or tofu makes this recipe vegetarian-friendly and just as hearty.
- Spice Level: For more heat, add cayenne pepper to the curry sauce—I like it a little fiery for a deeper flavor.
- Grain Choices: Brown rice or quinoa are great alternatives if you want a nuttier or higher-fiber grain.
How to Make Harvest Bowls with Roasted Vegetables, Coconut Rice, and Curry Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Roast Your Vegetables to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Spread your chopped sweet potatoes and halved Brussels sprouts evenly on a large baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and fresh pepper, then toss to coat every piece. Roast for about 18 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway, until you see tender vegetables with golden-browned edges. This roasting step is where the magic happens—the natural sugars caramelize, delivering that irresistible sweet and savory flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Creamy Coconut Rice
While your veggies roast, start the coconut rice. Combine water, coconut milk, brown sugar, and kosher salt in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Stir in the rice, bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes. Fluff it up with a fork and you’ll have rice that’s rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly tender—the perfect base for your harvest bowl.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sweet Curry Sauce
Mix honey, yellow mustard, olive oil, water, curry powder, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Whisk everything together well, especially to dissolve the cornstarch, then cook over medium heat until it just starts to simmer and thicken. This sauce is what brings everything together—a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and gentle spice that ties your chicken and veggies to the rice.
Step 4: Sauté or Grill the Curry Chicken
Season your chicken tenders or breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of curry powder on all sides. Cook them over medium-high heat, either on a grill or in a skillet, for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Don’t rush this step—letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking keeps it juicy and tender. You’ll get a lovely curry flavor infused into the juicy chicken that pairs beautifully with the rest of the bowl.
Step 5: Assemble Your Harvest Bowls
Now for the fun part—assembling your bowl! Start with a big spoonful of coconut rice in the bottom, add your grilled chicken on top, then pile on roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pecan halves, pomegranate arils for that burst of freshness, and sliced avocado for creaminess. Finish with a drizzle of the sweet curry sauce right over everything. Serve immediately and watch your family or friends dig in happily!
Pro Tips for Making Harvest Bowls with Roasted Vegetables, Coconut Rice, and Curry Chicken Recipe
- Even Roasting: Cut your veggies uniformly so they roast evenly and none get too mushy or burnt.
- Coconut Rice Timing: Start the rice first to ensure it stays warm and fluffy while you roast the veggies and cook the chicken.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk the curry sauce constantly as it heats to avoid lumps and get that beautiful silky texture.
- Rest Chicken: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender—don’t skip this step!
How to Serve Harvest Bowls with Roasted Vegetables, Coconut Rice, and Curry Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish these bowls with fresh pomegranate arils and sliced avocado because they add a lovely pop of color and textural contrast. Sometimes I toss in a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten things up. If you like a bit of zing, a squeeze of lime juice right before serving really lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this harvest bowl with a crisp side salad like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or even a simple cucumber salad to keep the meal fresh and balanced. I’ve also served it with warm naan or crusty bread when I want a more filling dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, I like to assemble these harvest bowls in clear glass jars or mini mason jars for a pretty layered look. It’s also fun to serve the components family-style on a big platter where everyone can build their own bowls. Trust me, it makes the meal feel extra special and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover roasted veggies and chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Coconut rice also stores well but can dry out a bit, so I usually add a splash of water when reheating to bring back moisture. Pecans and pomegranate I add fresh when serving so they stay crunchy and bright.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the cooked chicken and roasted veggies separately without issues. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Coconut rice doesn’t freeze as well, so I prefer to make fresh rice or keep extra cooked on hand in the fridge.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found is to reheat the chicken and veggies together in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. For rice, microwave with a damp paper towel covering the bowl or heat it in a pan with a little water to prevent drying. Then just assemble your bowl as usual!
FAQs
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Can I make the Harvest Bowls with Roasted Vegetables, Coconut Rice, and Curry Chicken Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh seasoned with curry powder for a satisfying plant-based version. The rest of the ingredients work perfectly for a vegetarian bowl.
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What type of curry powder works best for this recipe?
I use a mild to medium curry powder blend that’s flavorful but not too spicy, making it appealing for most palates. Feel free to adjust based on your heat tolerance or try your favorite curry mix.
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Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice or quinoa can be wonderful substitutes. Keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook, so plan accordingly, and adjust liquid amounts as needed.
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How do I keep the roasted vegetables from getting soggy when stored?
Store roasted veggies in a single layer in an airtight container and reheat them quickly at high heat, like in a hot oven or skillet, to restore some crispness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this Harvest Bowls with Roasted Vegetables, Coconut Rice, and Curry Chicken Recipe as much as I do. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen thanks to its balance of flavors, textures, and ease. Honestly, it’s one of those meals that feels special but never fussy, perfect for feeding hungry family or impressing guests. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort bowl!
PrintHarvest Bowls with Roasted Vegetables, Coconut Rice, and Curry Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Harvest Bowls are a vibrant and hearty meal featuring roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, tender grilled chicken, creamy coconut rice, and a sweet curry sauce. This warm bowl combines a variety of textures and flavors with crunchy pecans, juicy pomegranate arils, and smooth avocado for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spiced elements. Ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner, this dish is easy to prepare, nutritious, and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 pomegranate, seeded
Protein
- 8 chicken tenders or 2-3 chicken breasts
Rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups canned unsweetened coconut milk (about one 13.5 oz. can)
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
Sweet Curry Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 teaspoons water
- 3 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (for chicken seasoning)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Roast Veggies: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the chopped sweet potato and halved Brussels sprouts over a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss well to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 18 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and beginning to brown.
- Cook Coconut Rice: While the vegetables roast, prepare the coconut rice. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 1 1/2 cups canned unsweetened coconut milk, 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in 2 cups of long-grain white or jasmine rice. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
- Prepare Sweet Curry Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 teaspoons water, 3 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until the sauce simmers and thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken tenders or breasts on all sides with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons curry powder. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken, flipping once, until cooked through and nicely browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate.
- Assemble Harvest Bowls: To serve, spoon a generous portion of coconut rice into bowls. Top with grilled chicken slices, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, pecan halves, pomegranate arils, and sliced avocado. Drizzle each bowl with a spoonful of the sweet curry sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the rice with other varieties like rice pilaf, brown rice, sushi rice, jasmine, or white rice.
- Vegetables can be varied based on availability; good alternatives include butternut squash, carrots, green beans, zucchini, or broccoli.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein.
- Adjust spice levels in the sauce by moderating the crushed red pepper flakes to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximate)
- Calories: 832 kcal
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 541 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.003 g
- Carbohydrates: 105 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 21 mg