Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner with the most mouthwatering Mexican-inspired skillet that will make your taste buds dance! 🔥 This Mexican Chicken Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that combines tender chicken, creamy sweet potatoes, and protein-packed black beans in one irresistible pan. Whether you're craving a quick, nutritious dinner or looking to impress your family with a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 35 minutes, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, peeling and cubing sweet potatoes, draining and rinsing black beans, and chopping fresh cilantro.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically, allowing the sweet potatoes to develop a slight caramelization and become tender.
- Incorporate black beans and corn into the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated evenly and the sweet potatoes are fully cooked.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet, stirring to distribute the bright citrus flavor throughout the dish.
- Remove skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, optionally with additional lime wedges or your preferred toppings like sour cream or avocado slices.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, ensure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Don't rush the sweet potato sautéing process - letting them caramelize slightly adds depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
- Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more vibrant citrus punch.
- For extra protein, you can substitute chicken with ground turkey or add additional black beans.
- Make this dish more customizable by offering optional toppings like diced avocado, Greek yogurt, or extra cilantro at the table.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 418kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 93mg
