Sweet Potato Chicken Chili Recipe with Hearty Spices and Comforting Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

This sweet potato chicken chili is a favorite for its ease of preparation and wholesome ingredients that make it perfect for busy nights. It comes together quickly in one pot, with simple steps like sautéing and simmering that keep things straightforward without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the family, it’s a recipe that fits into your routine effortlessly.

Health benefits abound in this dish, thanks to the fiber and vitamin A from sweet potatoes, lean protein from chicken, and spices that offer anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a lighter option compared with traditional chilis, using low-sodium ingredients to support heart health and help maintain stable blood sugar. Enjoying this chili regularly helps you feel full and nourished, making it a smart choice for anyone mindful of their diet.

The versatility of sweet potato chicken chili is another highlight, as you can easily adapt it to different preferences. Swap in turkey or plant-based options for a vegetarian twist, or adjust the spices for a milder flavor. For more ideas on adapting recipes, check out our sweet potato casserole, which shows how versatile sweet potatoes can be. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just varying your meals, this chili adapts beautifully.

The distinctive flavor comes from a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder that enhance the sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness and the chicken’s savoriness. Top it with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish that makes each bowl special. This combination creates a layered taste that’s anything but ordinary and keeps you coming back for more.

Essential Ingredients for Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

Here’s a complete list of everything you need to make this sweet potato chicken chili. I’ve pulled together all the key ingredients based on the recipe details to ensure you have exactly what’s required.

• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1.5 cups black beans (or the equivalent of one can, drained, with a preference for low-sodium)
• 2 cups diced sweet potato (with peels on, cut into evenly-sized chunks)
• 1 cup frozen corn (alternatives include fresh or canned corn)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 (14.5 oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

In addition to these main ingredients, you might want optional toppings like avocado, cheese, and tortilla chips to add extra flair. Remember, these aren’t essential for the core recipe but can make your meal even more enjoyable. For more on healthy ingredients, read about the health benefits of sweet potatoes to see why they’re a great choice.

For special dietary options, you can make this vegan by replacing chicken with lentils or using vegetable broth. It’s naturally gluten-free, but double-check your spices.

How to Prepare the Perfect Sweet Potato Chicken Chili: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Started with Ingredients

Start by preparing your ingredients to make cooking smooth. Dice 2 cups of sweet potato with peels on into even chunks, and measure out 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cut 1 pound of chicken into pieces and gather your spices like 2 tablespoons chili powder. This step helps everything go quickly and avoids any mix-ups.

Searing the Chicken

Heat your pot and add oil to sear the chicken for a golden color. Cook it briefly before setting it aside, as this builds great flavor. If you’re watching fat, use less oil here.

Sautéing Aromatics

Next, sauté the onion until it’s soft, then add garlic and other veggies. This step brings out the flavors in your sweet potato chicken chili. Stir everything to mix in those tasty browned bits.

Blooming Spices

Toast your spices in the pot to release their aroma. This makes the chili even more flavorful and ties all the ingredients together nicely.

Building the Base

Add tomatoes and broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up the good bits from the bottom. Bring it to a simmer for a solid foundation.

Simmering Everything Together

Put the chicken back in and let it all simmer until tender. Check that the sweet potatoes are soft and the chicken is cooked through. For variations, you can add beans or other proteins here.

Adjusting and Finishing

Tweak the thickness and seasoning to your taste, then let it rest. Serve it up with your favorite toppings for a complete meal. For another chicken idea, try our loaded baked potato chicken casserole recipe.

Serving and Storing Tips

Finally, dish it out and store leftovers properly. This ensures you can enjoy it later without losing quality. Always reheat gently to keep the flavors fresh.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sweet Potato Chicken Chili Protein and Main Component Alternatives

One way to make this recipe your own is by swapping proteins. For example, use ground turkey instead of chicken for a similar feel. Plant-based options like lentils work great for a vegan version.

Add beans to boost fiber and make the dish go further. If you want something lighter, try seafood like fish for a fresh twist. For more heartiness, mix in grains like quinoa.

• Use 1 lb ground turkey or beef as a chicken alternative
• Swap with 2 cups cooked lentils for plant-based protein
• Add 1 2 cans of black beans for extra servings

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Sweet Potato Chicken Chili Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Play with veggies to change things up, like adding carrots or kale for more nutrition. Swap sauces for a different texture, such as using fire-roasted tomatoes. Adjust spices to control the heat and add herbs for brightness.

For a creamier version, stir in coconut milk at the end. Don’t forget to balance flavors with a bit of sweetness if needed. These tweaks keep the chili exciting and tailored to your taste.

Mastering Sweet Potato Chicken Chili: Advanced Tips and Variations

To take your chili to the next level, try browning the chicken in batches for better flavor. Roasting sweet potatoes first can make them even sweeter and hold up well during cooking. Use a good pot to keep everything even and prevent burning.

Experiment with flavors, like adding chipotle for smokiness or curry paste for a Thai vibe. Presentation matters, so top with fresh items for appeal. This chili also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Always taste as you go to perfect the seasoning. When you scale up, keep the ratios in mind for the best results. It’s all about layering flavors for a standout dish.

How to Store Sweet Potato Chicken Chili: Best Practices

Store your chili by cooling it quickly and putting it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep garnishes separate to maintain their freshness. Only reheat what you need each time.

For freezing, portion it out and label clearly. It lasts up to 3 months and thaws easily. Reheat gently to keep the texture just right. Think ahead for meal prep to make your week smoother.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 25 minutes (pressure cooker) or up to 7 hours (slow cooker)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

🍠 This Sweet Potato Chicken Chili is packed with hearty spices and comforting flavors that make for a satisfying meal.
🍗 Ideal for those seeking a nutritious, easy-to-make chili full of protein and vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 cup diced onion

1.5 cups black beans (or the equivalent of one can, drained, with a preference for low-sodium)

2 cups diced sweet potato (with peels on, cut into evenly-sized chunks)

1 cup frozen corn (alternatives include fresh or canned corn)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 (14.5 oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1-Getting Started with Ingredients: Start by preparing your ingredients to make cooking smooth. Dice 2 cups of sweet potato with peels on into even chunks, and measure out 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cut 1 pound of chicken into pieces and gather your spices like 2 tablespoons chili powder. This step helps everything go quickly and avoids any mix-ups.

2-Searing the Chicken: Heat your pot and add oil to sear the chicken for a golden color. Cook it briefly before setting it aside, as this builds great flavor. If you’re watching fat, use less oil here.

3-Sautéing Aromatics: Next, sauté the onion until it’s soft, then add garlic and other veggies. This step brings out the flavors in your sweet potato chicken chili. Stir everything to mix in those tasty browned bits.

4-Blooming Spices: Toast your spices in the pot to release their aroma. This makes the chili even more flavorful and ties all the ingredients together nicely.

5-Building the Base: Add tomatoes and broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up the good bits from the bottom. Bring it to a simmer for a solid foundation.

6-Simmering Everything Together: Put the chicken back in and let it all simmer until tender. Check that the sweet potatoes are soft and the chicken is cooked through. For variations, you can add beans or other proteins here.

7-Adjusting and Finishing: Tweak the thickness and seasoning to your taste, then let it rest. Serve it up with your favorite toppings for a complete meal. For another chicken idea, try our loaded baked potato chicken casserole recipe.

8-Serving and Storing Tips: Finally, dish it out and store leftovers properly. This ensures you can enjoy it later without losing quality. Always reheat gently to keep the flavors fresh.

Notes

🌶 Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
🍲 Use bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor and tenderness.
🥑 Garnish with fresh avocado or shredded cheese for extra creaminess and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes (pressure cooker) or 4-7 hours (slow cooker)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (pressure cooker) or 4-7 hours (slow cooker)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pressure cooking or slow cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: sweet potato, chicken chili, hearty spices, comforting flavor