Savory Chicken & Sweet Potato Medley

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 medium sweet potatoes - 1 red bell pepper - 1 small yellow onion - 3 cloves garlic - Smoked paprika - Ground cumin - Cayenne pepper - Olive oil - Salt and black pepper - Fresh parsley The Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet shines due to its simple yet hearty ingredients. The chicken breasts provide lean protein and absorb the seasonings well. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked. The red bell pepper brings a pop of color and crunch. The small yellow onion and garlic add rich flavors that meld beautifully. Seasoning is vital for this dish. Smoked paprika gives it a warm, earthy taste. Ground cumin adds depth, while cayenne pepper provides just the right kick. Olive oil is essential for cooking and adds richness. Salt and black pepper balance all the flavors. For a finishing touch, fresh parsley adds a bright note. It makes the dish look vibrant and fresh. This mix of ingredients creates a well-rounded meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes. You need to wait until the onion turns translucent. This step is key to building flavor in the dish. Now, add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet. Season them with cayenne pepper for some heat, and stir well. Cover the skillet and let the sweet potatoes cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure they cook evenly. Check for tenderness by piercing them with a fork. They should be soft but not mushy. Once the sweet potatoes are tender, add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet too. Stir everything together well and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld together nicely. Make sure the dish is heated through before serving. To ensure chicken is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This keeps it safe and juicy. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking. This helps it brown nicely and cook faster. For perfect sweet potato texture, choose firm sweet potatoes. Peel and cube them into equal sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Stir them often while cooking. Cover the skillet to speed up the softening process. They should be fork-tender but not mushy. To adjust spice levels, start with less cayenne pepper. You can always add more later. Taste the dish before serving. This way, you can find the right balance for your heat preference. Adding fresh herbs can elevate your dish. Try parsley or cilantro for freshness. You can also use thyme or rosemary for an earthy flavor. Add them at the end to keep their taste bright. Serve the skillet dish piping hot. Garnish with fresh parsley to brighten the plate. This adds color and flavor. Pair your Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet with a side salad. A green salad adds crunch and freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This rounds out the meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and seasonal sweet potatoes enhance the flavor and nutritional value of this dish. Customize the Spices: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference or substitute it with a milder spice for a family-friendly version. Meal Prep Friendly: This medley can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great choice for meal prep. Pair with Grains: Serve the chicken and sweet potato medley over quinoa or brown rice for a heartier meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the main protein in this dish. Turkey works great. Use ground turkey instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time until it's fully cooked. Shrimp is another tasty option. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink. If you want a vegetarian dish, try chickpeas. They add protein and fiber. Just toss them in when you add the sweet potatoes. Feel free to swap out veggies. Zucchini adds a nice texture. You can also use spinach for a pop of color. Both cook well with the other ingredients. Want to change the potatoes? Yukon gold potatoes are a great choice. They are creamy and sweet. You can even use regular white potatoes if you prefer. To give this dish a twist, try adding different spices. Italian seasoning works well for a fresh taste. Curry powder adds a warm, earthy flavor. You can also change the oils. Instead of olive oil, use avocado oil. It has a high smoke point and a subtle flavor. Vinegars like balsamic can add a nice tang to the dish. Just drizzle a bit before serving for extra zest. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze the Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet for later use. If you freeze it, do this after cooking. Allow it to cool before packing it in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave. When you want to enjoy leftovers, you can use two methods. The microwave is quick and easy. Heat in short bursts until warm. Stir it halfway through to get even heat. The stovetop is great too. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cook on low heat, stirring often. Always check that the food is hot all the way through for safety. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Start by thawing it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a rush, use the microwave's defrost setting. Once thawed, cut it into cubes and follow the steps in the recipe. - Best practices for using frozen chicken: - Always thaw in the fridge when possible. - Cut into small pieces for even cooking. - Cook to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free. Most spices and fresh veggies are safe. Double check the labels on any packaged items. - Gluten-free options and ingredient checks: - Use gluten-free spices and seasoning blends. - Check if your olive oil is pure and free of additives. - Ensure no cross-contamination with gluten in your kitchen. This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for extra carbs. - Suggesting side dishes or additional recipes: - A simple green salad with lemon dressing. - Steamed broccoli or green beans. - Garlic bread for a heartier meal. Yes, you can prep most of this meal ahead. Chop the veggies and season the chicken a day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. - Tips for meal prep and pre-cooking components: - Cook the chicken and sweet potatoes in advance and reheat. - Store each component separately to keep flavors fresh. - Assemble the skillet and heat it right before serving for the best taste. This blog post explored a delicious Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe. You learned about the main ingredients, steps to cook, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared ways to store leftovers and answered common questions. You can easily adapt this meal to fit your taste. Whether you change proteins or vegetables, the options are endless. With this knowledge, you can create a tasty dish that suits your needs. Enjoy cooking and impressing your family or friends!$

Savory Chicken & Sweet Potato Medley

A delicious and hearty dish featuring diced chicken, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 piece red bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Next, add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet. Season with the cayenne pepper, and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the skillet dish piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley atop the chicken and sweet potato medley. Pair with a side salad for a colorful meal!

Keyword chicken, dinner, healthy, medley, sweet potato