Delicious Mexican Chicken, Sweet Potato & Black Bean Skillet

Imagine a colorful skillet sizzling away on your stovetop, filling the air with the tantalizing aromas of cumin, smoky chipotle, and sweet caramelized onions. The vibrant hues of orange from sweet potatoes and the deep black of beans create a visual feast that’s almost too good to eat—almost, but not quite! This Mexican Chicken, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Skillet isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience, one that promises to wrap you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.

As I recall the first time I made this dish for friends, their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. It was one of those rare occasions where I felt like a culinary rock star. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering, this skillet meal is sure to impress and fill bellies with joy. You’ll want to have seconds—maybe even thirds!

One memorable night, my friend Sarah exclaimed that it tasted like a party in her mouth; her enthusiasm was contagious as everyone gathered around the table for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work perfectly; feel free to adjust based on appetite.

• Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized ones; they add natural sweetness and vibrant color.

• Black Beans: Canned beans save time—just rinse them well before use!

• Onion: A yellow onion provides the best balance of sweetness and flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.

• Cumin: This spice adds warmth; use ground cumin for easy incorporation into the dish.

• Chipotle Powder: Adds smokiness with just a hint of heat; adjust according to your spice preference.

• Olive Oil: A good drizzle helps everything sauté beautifully without sticking.

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness; sprinkle it on just before serving.

• Lime Juice: A burst of lime juice brightens all flavors—don’t skip this step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping the sweet potatoes into cubes. This will ensure even cooking throughout.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Add Chicken: Toss in your chicken pieces next. Cook them until nicely browned all over, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks—roughly 7-8 minutes should do.

Incorporate Sweet Potatoes: Stir in those lovely sweet potato cubes along with cumin and chipotle powder. Sauté until sweet potatoes begin softening—around 10 minutes will work wonders.

Add Beans: Pour in your rinsed black beans now. Mix everything together gently so that flavors meld perfectly while continuing to cook for another 5 minutes.

Add Lime Juice and Cilantro: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over your skillet masterpiece and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for that extra zing!

Now you have a beautiful Mexican Chicken, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Skillet ready to serve! Enjoy every flavorful bite while soaking in compliments from your friends or family—it might just become their new favorite dish!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors. Cook the sweet potatoes until tender while preparing the black beans to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try quinoa instead of black beans or add some corn for extra sweetness and crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

There was this one time I made this skillet for my friends’ potluck. Everyone raved about it, and one friend even asked if I would consider a career as a chef. Who knew?

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken can be used but thaw it completely before cooking.

What can I substitute for black beans?

Kidney beans or pinto beans work well as great alternatives in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the chicken and add more veggies or tofu for protein.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Mexican Chicken, Sweet Potato and Black Bean Skillet

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Mexican Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet. Bursting with cumin, smoky chipotle, and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, this one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends, this dish promises satisfaction and warmth in every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), diced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chipotle powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Stir in sweet potato cubes along with cumin and chipotle powder. Cook until sweet potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Mix in rinsed black beans and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until heated through.
5. Just before serving, squeeze lime juice over the skillet and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: About 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg