Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet with Black Beans and Veggies – A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

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When you’re pressed for time but still want a meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to make, a one-pan dish like the Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet with Black Beans and Veggies is the perfect solution. Picture this: tender, savory chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, earthy black beans, and a hint of spice—all brought together in one skillet for an easy, satisfying dinner. This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that combines the best of savory, sweet, and spicy in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish will keep you coming back for more.

Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and how you can easily prepare it in under 30 minutes. You’ll discover how to make a hearty meal that checks all the boxes: balanced nutrition, full of flavor, and wonderfully simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Before you even get started with the cooking process, let’s take a moment to reflect on what makes this dish so special.

1. Nutritious and Filling:
Packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken, sweet potatoes, black beans, and red bell peppers, this skillet is the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You won’t just be satisfied in the moment but feel energized and nourished long after.

2. Easy to Make:
The beauty of this meal lies in its simplicity. No fancy kitchen gadgets, no complicated steps—just one skillet, a few ingredients, and about 30 minutes. It’s as convenient as it gets, yet the end result feels like a special meal.

3. Versatile for Any Palate:
Whether you love a little spice or prefer a milder flavor profile, you can easily adjust the heat levels by adding more or less jalapeño or chili flakes. This recipe allows you to make it your own, catering to different tastes while still packing in all the nutrients.

4. One-Pan Convenience:
No one wants to spend hours cleaning up after cooking. With this skillet recipe, you’ll only need one pan—making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the ingredients naturally meld together as they cook, creating a perfectly blended meal with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients for Your Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

To make this meal come to life, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are simple, nutrient-rich items that you can find at most grocery stores.

Table: Ingredients for Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts	½ pound
Sweet potato, diced and parboiled	1 ½ cups
Canned black beans, drained and rinsed	1 cup
Pickled green jalapeños or fresh green chili peppers, chopped	1 tablespoon
Mild salsa	6 tablespoons
Shredded mozzarella cheese	½ cup
Olive oil (for cooking)	1-2 tablespoons
Red bell pepper, diced	⅓ cup
Ground cumin	½ teaspoon
Red chili flakes	¼ teaspoon
Ground oregano	1 teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste
Garlic, minced	1 teaspoon
Lime wedges	For serving
Fresh cilantro	For serving
Uncooked quinoa (optional)	1 cup

These ingredients come together to create a truly well-rounded dish, rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Let’s take a look at some of the key players:

• Chicken provides the lean protein that keeps you feeling full longer.
• Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness while providing fiber and a range of vitamins.
• Black beans contribute both protein and fiber, making them a great addition to a healthy, filling dish.
• Olive oil and mozzarella cheese give the dish a rich, satisfying texture and flavor.
• Spices like cumin and oregano elevate the dish and create an aromatic experience that will have your taste buds dancing.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Skillet

Ready to start cooking? Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal on your table.

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your sweet potatoes and parboiling them. Parboiling helps speed up the cooking process and ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly. Next, chop your chicken, garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeños. Getting everything ready before you start will make the cooking process go smoothly and quickly.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together ground cumin, red chili flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the diced chicken. This blend of spices will add depth and warmth to your chicken, which will complement the sweetness of the potatoes and the richness of the cheese.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s nearly cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.

3. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, jalapeños, garlic, and red bell peppers. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and heated through. You’ll start to notice the vibrant colors of the peppers and sweet potatoes coming together. The combination of the soft potatoes and crunchy peppers adds both texture and flavor to the dish.

4. Add the Salsa and Beans

Once the vegetables are cooked, add mild salsa and drained black beans into the skillet. These two ingredients help create a saucy base that enhances the dish’s flavor profile. Stir to combine everything, making sure the salsa and beans are evenly distributed throughout.

5. Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring everything together so that the chicken, beans, and vegetables are well mixed. Allow it to cook together for another minute or two so the flavors meld.

6. Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top of the skillet, then cover the pan. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a gooey, delicious topping.

7. Finish with Lime and Cilantro

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note, while the lime juice brightens up the flavors.

Optional Quinoa for a Heartier Meal

While this dish is already quite filling, you might want to add quinoa for an even more substantial meal. Quinoa is a great gluten-free, protein-packed grain that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes and chicken. To prepare quinoa:

• Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness.
• Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot, bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 15 minutes until the grains are tender.

Once the quinoa is cooked, serve it alongside the skillet for a complete, hearty meal.

Nutrition Breakdown: Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

This Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet isn’t just easy to make—it’s also a nutritious powerhouse. Here’s a look at what you’re getting per serving (without quinoa):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 9g
• Fat: 20g

The combination of protein from the chicken and black beans, fiber from the sweet potatoes and quinoa, and healthy fats from olive oil and cheese makes this dish a great option for a balanced meal. If you add quinoa, the calorie count will increase, but it will also boost the protein and fiber content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Breasts will cook slightly faster, so be sure to check them to avoid overcooking. They will still be juicy and flavorful with the spice rub!

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and cook this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving. If you want to keep things fresh, cook the quinoa separately and combine it just before serving. garlic bread or steamed vegetables.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream

Q3: How can I make the dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of jalapeños or red chili flakes. If you like it extra fiery, feel free to add a chopped fresh chili or some hot sauce.

Q4: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This skillet meal stores well and is perfect for meal prepping. Just divide it into individual portions and store them in airtight containers for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.

Conclusion: Why This Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a Must-Try

The Quick Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet with Black Beans and Veggies is a perfect combination of taste, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week ahead, or simply craving something healthy and delicious, this recipe has you covered. The flavors are bold, the ingredients are wholesome, and the meal comes together in just 30 minutes. So why wait? Try it today and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful dinner that your whole family will love.

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