Description
Sizzling Mexican chicken, sweet potato, and black bean skillet brings bold flavors dancing across your plate with authentic southwestern flair. Hearty ingredients meld into a quick, satisfying meal packed with protein and comfort you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- ½ small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 ounces/280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
Spices and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Warm a skillet with olive oil over medium heat and carefully sear the chicken pieces until golden brown, seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, introduce another splash of olive oil and gently sauté diced sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Allow vegetables to soften and develop subtle caramelization.
- Awaken the aromatic spices by introducing minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Stir quickly to prevent burning and release their vibrant flavors.
- Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth, creating a rich, hearty base. Nestle the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently, ensuring sweet potatoes become tender and ingredients meld harmoniously. Cover the skillet to trap moisture and intensify flavors.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, creating a melting blanket of richness. Cover briefly to help cheese become luxuriously smooth.
- Finish the dish with a bright squeeze of fresh lime juice and a generous scattering of chopped cilantro. Serve directly from the skillet alongside rice, warm tortillas, or creamy avocado slices for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder and choosing mild or spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s robust flavor profile.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to drastically reduce cooking time and simplify meal preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the vegetable cooking stage, increasing fiber and micronutrient content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg