Before diving into the details of this delicious chili lime chicken and sweet potato skillet, let’s talk about what pairs well with this dish. I don’t know about you, but I love creating a full meal experience. Here are some options to round out your dinner.
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad can be a perfect complement. Something simple, like mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette, can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sweet potato.
- Quinoa or Rice: Serving this skillet dish over a bed of quinoa or a side of rice can help soak up the flavorful juices. Both options are nutritious, fiber-packed, and easily customizable with herbs or spices.
- Grilled Vegetables: Adding grilled vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, can enhance this meal. The charred flavor works beautifully with the spices of the skillet dish.
- Creamy Dip: If you like a little something extra, consider serving it with a cool avocado dip or a yogurt sauce. It’ll balance out the dish nicely.
- Cornbread: A slice of cornbread could enhance the southern vibes of chili lime, making it feel hearty and satisfying.
Hey there, food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share my passion for cooking through a recipe that regularly leaves my family raving. Picture this: tender chicken bursting with zesty flavor, paired harmoniously with sweet potato, all cooked in one skillet. The flavors dance together, creating a comforting dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
This isn’t just any ordinary recipe. It’s a celebration of vibrant ingredients and show-stopping convenience. You won’t find lengthy prep time or unnecessary steps here. Instead, you’ll get straightforward instructions and insider tips that I’ve picked up from my own kitchen adventures. So, let’s get into the magic behind this chili lime chicken and sweet potato skillet!
What is Chili Lime Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet?
Chili lime chicken and sweet potato skillet is a combination of seasoned chicken, sweet potatoes, and bold spices, all cooked together in one pan. It features lime zest, garlic, and a splash of chili powder that create an inviting flavor profile. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and heartiness, making each bite feel fulfilling.
This dish is brilliant for busy nights or meal prepping. You get protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one go—a real time-saver. Plus, it’s colorful and brings a pop of freshness to your table. It’s no wonder why this has become a staple in so many households.
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Why This Recipe Works
Let’s break down why this combination is not only delicious but also smart for any kitchen. I’ve tested this recipe on my family numerous times, refining it each time based on feedback. The balance of flavors from the chili powder and lime zest prevents any one ingredient from overpowering the others; instead, they harmonize.
The sweet potatoes add creaminess when cooked, and the chicken becomes tender and flavorful thanks to the chicken broth and spices. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan recipe? It means fewer dishes and more time enjoying the meal.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 tablespoon ground cumin: for an earthy base
1 green bell pepper, diced: adds crunch
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained: boosts fiber and protein
1 tablespoon sweet paprika: enhances color and flavor
½ teaspoon dried oregano: complements with herbaceous notes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: for sautéing
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: your protein source
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: essential seasoning
4 garlic cloves, finely minced: aromatic goodness
1 red bell pepper, diced: sweet contrast
½ teaspoon kosher salt: elevates flavors
Zest of 2 limes: brightens the dish
1 large orange-fleshed sweet potato, chopped into ½-inch chunks: natural sweetness
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: adds depth
½ medium red onion, diced: for sharpness
1 tablespoon chili powder: brings warmth
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: a hint of heat
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: keeps everything moist
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped: for garnish
Avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, or toppings of your choice: for an added touch
How to Make Chili Lime Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Alright, we’re ready to get cooking! Here’s a brief overview before we get into the nitty-gritty. This dish involves sautéing your veggies, browning the chicken, and letting it all come together with the chicken broth. It’s that simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat up the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. A hot pan will help ensure that the chicken gets a nice golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 lb of cubed chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and almost cooked through. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves and the ½ medium diced red onion. The aroma at this point will whisk you away. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become slightly translucent.
Step 4: Incorporate Spices
Sprinkle in your 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. This mix is what sets this dish apart!
Step 5: Add the Veggies
Time to add those beautiful veggies. Toss in the 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced red bell pepper, and the 1 chopped sweet potato. Give it a mix and let them cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Pour in the Broth
Pour in the ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth. This not only adds moisture but helps to steam the sweet potatoes, allowing them to cook through without becoming mushy.
Step 7: Zest and Simmer
Now it’s time to awaken those flavors! Add in the zest of 2 limes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to become fork-tender.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once cooked, check the chicken for doneness. If everything looks good, stir in the 1 can of black beans until heated through. Finally, finish the dish with ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten it up.
Tips for Success
Here are some ultimate tips gathered from my kitchen:
Cut Uniform Pieces: Make sure chicken and sweet potatoes are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Lime zest is a game-changer. It adds a freshness that’s hard to replicate.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and spices according to your preference. Cooking is personal!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices, herbs, and vegetables make a notable difference in flavor.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Remove the chicken just before it’s fully cooked; it will continue cooking while resting.
How to Store Leftovers
Storing leftovers is simple. Let the skillet dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
If reheating frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Nutritionally, this chili lime chicken and sweet potato skillet is a treasure. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from sweet potatoes and black beans. It’s perfect for a balanced meal:
Calories: Approximately 400 calories per serving
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 10g
How Would I Recommend Serving Chili Lime Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet?
Here are some fun ways to serve this dish:
- Tacos: Give your skillet a fun twist by serving it in warm tortillas. Top with avocado and fresh cilantro. Who doesn’t love a taco night?
- Bowls: Create a build-your-own bowl. Layer quinoa, then spoon on the chicken and sweet potatoes. Add toppings like cheese, salsa, and fresh lime.
- Salad: For a lighter option, toss the mixture on a bed of greens. Drizzle with a light lime vinaigrette to tie it together.
- Stuffed Peppers: Scoop the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake them for a fun and stuffed dish.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
Sometimes, you might find yourself missing a few ingredients. Here are some alternatives:
- Chicken Alternatives: Tofu or Tempeh can be utilized for a vegetarian option. They’ll soak up the flavors well, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Sweet Potato Substitute: You can use butternut squash if sweet potatoes are hard to find. It has a similar texture and sweetness.
- Canned Beans: If black beans aren’t on hand, consider using kidney beans or chickpeas. They’ll hold up just as well in this dish.
- Spice Variations: If you don’t have the specific spices, a taco seasoning mix can work in a pinch. It typically has similar flavor profiles.
Chili Lime Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Equipment
- skillet
- Cup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: for an earthy base
- 1 green bell pepper diced: adds crunch
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained: boosts fiber and protein
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika: enhances color and flavor
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: complements with herbaceous notes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: for sautéing
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes: your protein source
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: essential seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced: aromatic goodness
- 1 red bell pepper diced: sweet contrast
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: elevates flavors
- Zest of 2 limes: brightens the dish
- 1 large orange-fleshed sweet potato chopped into ½-inch chunks: natural sweetness
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: adds depth
- ½ medium red onion diced: for sharpness
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: brings warmth
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: a hint of heat
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: keeps everything moist
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped: for garnish
- Avocado sour cream, shredded cheese, or toppings of your choice: for an added touch
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, heat up the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. A hot pan will help ensure that the chicken gets a nice golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 lb of cubed chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and almost cooked through. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
- Next, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves and the ½ medium diced red onion. The aroma at this point will whisk you away. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions become slightly translucent.
Step 4: Incorporate Spices
- Sprinkle in your 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. This mix is what sets this dish apart!
Step 5: Add the Veggies
- Time to add those beautiful veggies. Toss in the 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced red bell pepper, and the 1 chopped sweet potato. Give it a mix and let them cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Pour in the Broth
- Pour in the ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth. This not only adds moisture but helps to steam the sweet potatoes, allowing them to cook through without becoming mushy.
Step 7: Zest and Simmer
- Now it’s time to awaken those flavors! Add in the zest of 2 limes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to become fork-tender.
Step 8: Final Touches
- Once cooked, check the chicken for doneness. If everything looks good, stir in the 1 can of black beans until heated through. Finally, finish the dish with ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten it up.
Notes
- Cut Uniform Pieces: Make sure chicken and sweet potatoes are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: Lime zest is a game-changer. It adds a freshness that’s hard to replicate.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and spices according to your preference. Cooking is personal!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices, herbs, and vegetables make a notable difference in flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Remove the chicken just before it’s fully cooked; it will continue cooking while resting.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Cook it, let it cool, then refrigerate for up to four days or freeze it for longer storage.
2. Can I add different veggies?
Yes! Feel free to include any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, corn, or spinach. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
3. Is it spicy?
Not excessively! The heat from the cayenne and chili powder is mild. Adjust the amounts based on your heat preference.
4. Can I use skin-on chicken?
Yes, but keep in mind that the fat from the skin will impact the dish’s nutritional makeup. It can make the chicken richer and more flavorful.
5. What can I use instead of cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can substitute with parsley or just omit it altogether.
6. Can I serve this dish cold?
While this dish is usually enjoyed hot, you can absolutely serve it cold in a salad format, similar to a grain bowl.
Conclusion
Chili lime chicken and sweet potato skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor and convenience. It takes the stress out of dinner while packing a punch of nutrition and taste.
With the perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and heartiness, it encapsulates everything we love about home-cooked meals. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep for the week ahead, I promise it’ll become a staple in your household too.
So, fire up the skillet, grab those ingredients, and enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors. Remember, every meal is an opportunity to enjoy life, and I’m excited for you to experience the deliciousness of this dish firsthand! Happy cooking!
