Zesty Mexican Chicken Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand delicious skillet magic with this mexican chicken, sweet potato, and black bean skillet that packs serious flavor in every bite.

Bold spices dance across tender chicken and hearty vegetables.

Colorful ingredients blend seamlessly in one pan, creating a meal that satisfies from first taste to last.

Protein-rich chicken mingles with soft sweet potatoes and creamy black beans for a balanced plate.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.

Clean-up is a breeze with this single-pan wonder.

Dive into this wholesome dinner that brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything Needed For Mexican Chicken Sweet Potato And Black Bean Skillet

• Chicken: Lean protein powerhouse that adds hearty flavor and substance to the skillet; choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking and healthier option.
• Black Beans: Plant-based protein packed with fiber and nutrients; select canned beans with no added salt for best control over dish's seasoning.

• Sweet Potatoes: Vibrant, nutrient-dense root vegetable that brings natural sweetness and creamy texture; opt for firm, smooth-skinned potatoes without bruises.
• Onion: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor; fresh yellow onions provide the best depth and sweetness.
• Bell Pepper: Adds crisp texture and bright color; choose firm peppers with smooth, glossy skin for maximum freshness.
• Garlic: Intense flavor booster that elevates the entire dish; fresh cloves provide more robust taste compared to pre-minced versions.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: Spice blend that creates authentic Mexican-inspired flavor profile; use fresh, recently purchased spices for maximum potency.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and subtle heat; look for fire-roasted varieties for enhanced smoky undertone.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and additional flavor complexity; low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Shredded Cheese: Creamy, melty topping that adds richness; choose a Mexican blend or sharp cheddar for best results.
• Lime: Bright, acidic finish that cuts through richness and enhances overall flavor.

Cooking Tools For Mexican Chicken Sweet Potato And Black Bean Skillet

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking all ingredients in one pan, providing even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for dicing ingredients precisely and quickly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're shredding your own cheese for topping.
• Lime Squeezer (optional): Makes extracting fresh lime juice easier, though a hand works too.

Step-By-Step Mexican Chicken Sweet Potato And Black Bean Skillet

• Chicken Preparation

Brown chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil, creating a golden exterior and sealing in delicious flavors. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.

• Vegetable Symphony

Sauté sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in the same skillet until they start softening. Add aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano to create a fragrant base.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine black beans, tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth into the skillet. Return chicken to the pan and let everything simmer together, allowing ingredients to marry and develop rich, deep flavors.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle cheese over the skillet and let it melt into a creamy layer. Brighten the dish with fresh lime juice and a scattering of cilantro. Serve alongside warm tortillas or fluffy rice for a complete meal that celebrates Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Tips To Make Mexican Chicken Sweet Potato And Black Bean Skillet

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this skillet in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, ground beef, or tofu for a delightful protein twist that keeps the meal exciting and versatile.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños to dial up heat or keep it mild for sensitive palates, ensuring everyone enjoys the dish.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Eliminate chicken and add extra beans or plant-based protein like quinoa to create a hearty meatless version packed with nutrients.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the recipe's delicious Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

Serve Mexican Chicken Sweet Potato And Black Bean Skillet With Ease

• Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty skillet over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra filling power.
• Taco Night Twist: Create a build-your-own taco bar by offering soft tortillas, additional cilantro, sour cream, and extra lime wedges for guests to customize their meal.
• Fresh and Zesty Topping Bar: Set out diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, and chopped green onions so everyone can personalize their dish with fresh, vibrant garnishes.
• Protein-Packed Meal Prep Option: Package individual portions in meal prep containers with a side of rice for an easy, nutritious lunch that reheats beautifully throughout the week.

How To Store Mexican Chicken Sweet Potato And Black Bean Skillet

• Fridge Fresh Approach: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Correctly sealed meals stay delicious for 3-4 days, maintaining vibrant flavors and textures.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Transfer cooled skillet contents to freezer-safe containers. Frozen meals retain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm portions in microwave or skillet, adding splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently to redistribute ingredients and maintain moisture. Aim for internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide recipe into individual meal-prep containers. Create balanced lunches by adding extra side salad or quinoa. Label containers with date to track freshness and enjoy convenient grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Spicy Mexican Chicken, Sweet Potato, And Black Bean Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Sizzling mexican chicken, sweet potato, and black bean skillet delivers authentic southwestern comfort. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering complex flavors that invite home cooks to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (0.45 kg) chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup cheese, shredded (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can (10 oz/280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• ½ small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Chicken Preparation: Sear chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
2. Vegetable Sauté: In the same skillet, add olive oil and cook sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until softened and lightly caramelized.
3. Spice Infusion: Introduce minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Quickly stir to activate aromatic flavors without scorching.
4. Liquid Integration: Combine black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Return chicken to the skillet, creating a robust, layered foundation.
5. Simmering and Melding: Reduce heat and cover, allowing ingredients to simmer and sweet potatoes to tenderize. Melt shredded cheese over the top, creating a creamy surface.
6. Final Flourish: Brighten the dish with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with accompaniments like rice, warm tortillas, or avocado slices for a complete Mexican-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Searing: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior, ensuring maximum flavor development and preventing steaming instead of browning.
• Vegetable Caramelization Technique: Cut sweet potatoes and vegetables into uniform size pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent caramelization, enhancing overall dish texture and flavor profile.
• Spice Incorporation Strategy: Toast dry spices for 30 seconds before adding liquid ingredients to intensify their aromatic qualities and unlock deeper, more complex flavor dimensions in the skillet.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version; use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s delicious Mexican-inspired essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg