Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet

This Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that bursts with flavor and nutrients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, offering a delicious combination of tender chicken, hearty sweet potatoes, and protein-packed black beans. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this skillet meal will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich black beans, and vitamins from sweet potatoes, it’s a wholesome meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed with everything cooked in one skillet.
• Versatile Flavors: Adjust the spices and toppings to suit your preferences; it’s easily adaptable!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week for lunch or dinner.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Microwave-safe dish
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space to cook all ingredients evenly while allowing flavors to meld together.
• Microwave-safe dish: Perfect for pre-cooking the sweet potatoes quickly without turning on the stove.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping ingredients smoothly and efficiently, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

This Mexican “hash” recipe is full of nutrient-dense food like chicken, sweet potatoes, and black beans.

For the Chicken

• 2 tsp light olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Veggies

• ½ cup white onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

For the Extras

• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 oz can green chiles with juice
• ⅓ cup medium salsa (or your favorite)
• Juice of ½ lime
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Freshly chopped cilantro

How to Make Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Place the sweet potato cubes in a microwave-safe dish. Add ½ cup of water. Cook in the microwave for about 4 minutes until mostly cooked but still firm.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, season the chicken cubes with salt, freshly ground black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Mix well so that each piece is coated evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add light olive oil. Once hot, add seasoned chicken pieces. Brown them for about 3-4 minutes. Then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onions become translucent (around 2 minutes).

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

To the skillet, add pre-cooked sweet potatoes along with black beans, quartered tomatoes, green chiles (with juice), lime juice, and salsa. Cook everything together for an additional 3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Serve

Remove from heat once heated through. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover with a lid briefly until cheese melts. Serve hot with fresh cilantro sprinkled on top.

Enjoy this delicious Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet as a nutritious meal any day of the week!

How to Serve Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet

This vibrant and flavorful dish is perfect for any meal. You can serve it in various ways to enhance its taste and presentation.

With Fresh Avocado

• Slice ripe avocados and place them on top of the skillet. The creaminess complements the spicy flavors.

Over Brown Rice or Quinoa

• Serve the skillet over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. This adds a nice texture and boosts the fiber content.

Topped with Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

• Drizzle some sour cream or Greek yogurt over the dish for added creaminess. This balances out the spices nicely.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with the skillet mix. This creates a fresh, low-carb option that’s fun to eat.

Accompanied by Corn Tortillas

• Serve with warm corn tortillas on the side for an authentic touch. They can be used to scoop up the delicious mixture.

How to Perfect Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet

To elevate your cooking skills, follow these tips for a perfect skillet every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs when possible. They provide better flavor than canned or frozen options.
• Customize spice levels: Adjust chili powder and cumin to meet your heat preferences. Experimenting can lead to a personalized flavor profile.
• Pre-cook sweet potatoes: Microwaving sweet potatoes before adding them to the skillet ensures they cook evenly with other ingredients.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients. More vegetables make the dish even healthier.
• Let flavors meld: Allow the mixture to sit off heat for a few minutes after cooking. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully.
• Garnish generously: Don’t skip on garnishes like cilantro or lime wedges! They add freshness and visual appeal to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet

Pairing side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this skillet recipe well.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with corn, lime juice, cilantro, and spices that adds sweetness to your meal.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with lime juice and chopped cilantro is a perfect side that balances flavors.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip enhances the overall taste while bringing freshness and richness.
4. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice provides a zesty contrast.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers offer a colorful addition that pairs well with chicken.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an exciting appetizer or side dish as you enjoy your skillet meal.
7. Black Bean Soup: A warm bowl of black bean soup can be a comforting side that complements the main dish’s flavors.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries can add crunch and sweetness while echoing one of the main ingredients in your skillet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not Pre-Cooking the Sweet Potatoes: Failing to pre-cook the sweet potatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Microwave them first for a few minutes to ensure they cook through in the skillet.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for 3-4 minutes of browning before adding other ingredients to keep it juicy and tender.
• Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can result in bland flavors. Always taste your dish before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
• Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using low-quality canned beans or salsa can affect the overall taste. Opt for high-quality ingredients for better flavor in your dish.
• Neglecting Garnishes: Forgetting to add fresh cilantro or cheese at the end can diminish the presentation and flavor. Always finish with garnishes for an appealing look and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet

• Freeze in portion-sized containers.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet?

This dish is a hearty combination of chicken, sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices cooked together in one skillet for a nutritious meal.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! You can substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on your preference.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, consider including fresh jalapeños or using spicy salsa instead of medium salsa.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it reheats well and maintains its flavor over time.

What should I serve with this skillet?

This dish pairs well with avocado slices or a fresh side salad to complement its flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet offers a delicious blend of flavors that are both nutritious and satisfying. It’s an adaptable recipe that you can customize based on your preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!