Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet
Looking for a quick, high‑protein dinner that packs a flavorful punch? This spicy chipotle sweet potato & black bean skillet delivers bold flavors and hearty protein in a fraction of the time. Perfect for a weekday hit, everything is ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound diced boneless, skin‑less chicken breast (about 25g protein)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½‑inch cubes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Optional: ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or a dollop of avocado for topping
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5‑6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown.
- Push the sweet potatoes to the side and add the diced chicken. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and corn; cook for 3 minutes until veggies soften.
- Add the black beans, chipotle, and a splash of water if the skillet looks dry. Reduce heat to medium‑low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Stir in the minced chipotle sauce and cooked sweet potato cubes; simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the skillet and stir to combine, then transfer to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado, if desired. Serve hot.
Chef's Note
Add a splash of lime juice right before serving and sprinkle fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cool the skillet completely, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a pinch of water to restore moisture.
Substitutions
Use ground turkey or diced chicken thighs for a richer flavor.,Swap sweet potatoes for diced butternut squash or carrots for a different sweet note.,For a plant‑based version, replace chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh.,Use coconut milk instead of lime juice for a milder, creamier finish.