Hey there, fellow food lovers! Let me tell you, this chicken sweet potato recipe is an absolute game-changer in my kitchen. Not only is it super easy to whip up, but it’s also packed with nutrition—perfect for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. I remember the first time I made this dish; my house smelled amazing, and it was such a hit that I’ve made it at least once a week since! The combination of tender chicken and sweet, caramelized potatoes is just irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup! Trust me, if you’re new to cooking or just want something quick and delicious, this is the recipe for you. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delightful chicken sweet potato dish. I’ve made sure they’re easy to find and prep, so let’s get started!
- 2 chicken breasts: These should be boneless and skinless for a healthier option. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier result!
- 2 medium sweet potatoes: Look for smooth, firm potatoes. Peel them and cut them into even cubes—this helps them cook evenly!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds flavor and helps the sweet potatoes get that lovely golden color. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to, but any light oil will work.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This gives a nice depth of flavor without the fuss of chopping garlic. If you love garlic (who doesn’t?), feel free to add more!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness to the dish. You can use smoked paprika for an extra kick!
- Salt to taste: A little salt goes a long way in enhancing the flavors. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
- Pepper to taste: Freshly ground black pepper is best for that perfect seasoning. Just sprinkle a bit over the chicken and potatoes.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: This is optional, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness to your dish. Plus, it looks so pretty!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures your chicken and sweet potatoes cook evenly and develop that lovely texture. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Now, let’s tackle those sweet potatoes. Start by peeling them—using a vegetable peeler makes this super easy! Once they’re peeled, cut them into even cubes, about an inch in size. This helps them cook at the same rate. And remember, when you’re cutting, keep your fingers tucked in and use a sharp knife for safety. You’ve got this!
Mix Ingredients for Sweet Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss those sweet potato cubes with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until every piece is coated evenly. This is where the magic happens! I love to use my hands for this, but a spatula works just fine too. Just make sure everything is well combined so they roast perfectly!
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Grab a baking sheet and spread those sweet potatoes out in a single layer. You want to give them some space to breathe, so they roast instead of steam. Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts right in there with the sweet potatoes. Make sure there’s a little space between everything for even cooking!
Bake Everything
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the sweet potatoes should be fork-tender. A handy tip: check the chicken by cutting into the thickest part to ensure it’s no longer pink. Once it’s done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—it helps keep it juicy!
Garnish and Serve
Finally, let’s make it look pretty! Garnish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that burst of color. You can also serve it with a wedge of lemon for a zesty kick or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Feel free to get creative with your presentation—this dish deserves it!
FAQ Section
Can I use other vegetables with this chicken sweet potato recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, like bell peppers, onions, or even broccoli. Just remember that cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on them.
Is it okay to use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This will help them get that nice roasted texture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A good rule of thumb is to cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should be opaque and no longer pink inside. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and pop it in the oven the next day. Just remember to adjust your cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with this chicken and sweet potato dish?
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with a simple salad or some steamed greens for a complete meal. It’s all about what you enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in about 40 minutes!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and the nutritional goodness of sweet potatoes, this dish is both wholesome and satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your meal. Everything cooks together on one baking sheet!
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of garlic and paprika gives a wonderful flavor, and you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is great for making ahead, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious chicken sweet potato recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use or any substitutions you make.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This meal is not only filling but also gives you a great balance of protein and carbs while keeping things light. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something wholesome!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip Preheating: Preheating your oven is key! It ensures everything cooks evenly and helps achieve that nice, crispy texture, especially for the sweet potatoes.
- Uniform Cutting: When cubing your sweet potatoes, make sure the pieces are roughly the same size. This way, they’ll cook at the same rate, so you won’t end up with some mushy and some undercooked!
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! A little extra salt and pepper can enhance the flavors significantly. Taste as you go, and adjust to your liking!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, consider using a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast. It takes the guesswork out and ensures juicy chicken every time.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! This dish is super versatile, so try adding different spices or herbs based on your preferences. A pinch of cumin or some Italian herbs can take it to the next level!
Chicken Sweet Potato Recipes: 5 Easy Steps to Delight!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This chicken sweet potato recipe is healthy and easy to make. Perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
- In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken on the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Check the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into the thickest part.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken sweet potato recipes
