If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in one pan, you absolutely have to try this Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken, sweet and slightly spicy sweet potatoes, and that zesty lime punch that wakes up every bite. This skillet meal is not only loaded with colorful veggies but also bursts with warm spices, making it an irresistible option for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The combination of textures and lively flavors will leave you craving more and feeling wonderful about what you’re putting on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that bring so much character to the dish. Each component plays a key role in balancing flavors, building texture, and adding eye-catching color to the skillet.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: They add natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Necessary for sautéing and infusing richness into the chicken and sweet potatoes.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Your main protein, tender and ready to soak up the spices.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a smoky warmth that defines the dish’s character.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a subtle earthiness that complements the chili powder perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a mild sweetness and enhances the lovely reddish hue.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra kick, this turns up the heat just right.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Fundamental seasonings that bring out the best flavors of all ingredients.
- Zest and juice of 1 lime: The star ingredient that brightens the whole dish with its tangy zing.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Adds fresh herbaceous notes and a burst of green color.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Sweet, crunchy, and beautiful, it keeps the skillet lively and colorful.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Slightly sweet and juicy, they complement the sweet potatoes nicely.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creaminess and richness that perfectly balance the zest and spices.
How to Make Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want them to soften and develop a lightly golden exterior. This step brings out their natural sweetness while creating a lovely contrast in texture later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Spices
Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chicken pieces and sprinkle on the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, along with salt and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. The aromatic spices will cling to the juicy chicken, infusing every bite.
Step 3: Combine Veggies and Chicken
Mix the chicken and sweet potatoes together in the skillet to marry those flavors. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and corn kernels, cooking everything for another 3 to 5 minutes. The bell pepper should soften slightly but still maintain a little crunch, adding a fresh pop and color that complements the rest of the dish beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Zesty Lime Touch
Sprinkle the zest and squeeze the juice of one lime over the skillet mixture, then stir well. This citrusy punch cuts through the richness and spices, lifting all the flavors and adding that signature brightness that the Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet Recipe is known for. Give it a taste and season with extra salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Cilantro
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chopped fresh cilantro. This herb brings freshness and a hint of vibrancy that ties the whole dish together, making it not only delicious but visually inviting.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Creamy Avocado
Dish out the skillet meal while it’s still warm and top with diced avocado. The creamy avocado rounds out the flavors by mellowing the spices and adding a luscious texture, turning each bite into a perfect medley of taste, color, and comfort.
How to Serve Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, extra chopped cilantro or a light sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese can be delightful. You might also add a few lime wedges on the side to let everyone customize the zinginess. The soft avocado chunks already bring creaminess, but a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can be a welcome addition for those who desire a cooling contrast.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe shines as a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it alongside a crisp green salad for freshness or some warm, crusty bread to soak up the juices. Mexican-style rice or a simple cilantro-lime quinoa can also be a fantastic accompaniment for a more filling dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this skillet recipe in individual cast iron pans for a rustic dinner party vibe. Alternatively, scoop it into warm tortillas for a tasty, deconstructed taco experience. You can also use it as a hearty filling for stuffed peppers or let the kids create their own bowls with extra toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, or pickled onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after sitting, making the next-day meal just as enticing as fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, wait to add avocado until after reheating, since avocado can discolor and get mushy in the freezer.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover and stir halfway through heating to ensure even warmth. Add fresh avocado just before serving to keep that creamy bite fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy during cooking, which many people prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may require a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?
The recipe has warming spices with a gentle kick, especially if you include the cayenne pepper. You can easily scale back the cayenne or omit it altogether to make the dish milder. For more heat, add fresh chopped jalapeños or a pinch more cayenne.
What if I don’t have fresh cilantro? Can I substitute dried?
Fresh cilantro is best as it adds brightness and texture, but if you only have dried, use about one teaspoon stirred in with the spices earlier in the cooking process. Keep in mind dried cilantro is less flavorful and won’t have the same fresh pop.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu cubes or sautéed chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version. The spices and veggies still shine, and you’ll have a tasty, hearty meal without the meat.
What type of lime should I use for this recipe?
Regular Persian limes work beautifully here for both zest and juice. Their bright citrus notes are essential for that signature zing in the Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet Recipe. Avoid bottled lime juice since fresh juice delivers a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation because it checks every box — quick, colorful, tasty, and nourishing. With its harmonious blend of spices, fresh herbs, and zesty lime, it feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll soon become one of your favorite one-pan wonders!
Print
Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts and sweet potatoes spiced with chili powder, cumin, and lime. The dish combines a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, enhanced by fresh cilantro and creamy avocado for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a slightly golden exterior.
- Cook Chicken: Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and season with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Combine the chicken and sweet potatoes in the skillet. Add diced red bell pepper and corn kernels, then cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the bell pepper becomes tender.
- Season with Lime: Stir in the zest and juice of one lime to the skillet mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Add Fresh Cilantro: Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chopped fresh cilantro to add a fresh herbaceous flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Chili Lime Sweet Potato and Chicken Skillet hot, topped with diced avocado for creaminess and contrast.
Notes
- For extra heat, include the optional cayenne pepper or increase the amount according to preference.
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels depending on availability; if frozen, thaw before adding.
- Sweet potatoes can be swapped with regular potatoes but cooking time may vary.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
