You know, some nights, when life just throws *everything* at you, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s exactly when this Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato recipe swoops in like a superhero! Seriously, it’s one of my go-to meals when I’m short on time but still want something incredibly tasty and good for me. I remember one evening, after a super hectic day, I threw this together in less than 30 minutes, and it was just… perfect. That slightly smoky char from the grill, the natural sweetness of the potato, and that juicy chicken? Pure magic! It’s honestly my secret weapon for weeknights when I crave a healthy, no-fuss, flavorful meal that actually feels special.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver for so many reasons. Here’s the lowdown:
- It’s ridiculously easy – seriously, minimal chopping and fuss!
- Super healthy! You’ve got lean protein and good-for-you carbs all in one little package.
- The flavor combo is just *chef’s kiss* – smoky, sweet, savory, it hits all the right notes.
- It’s so versatile! You can totally switch up the spices or add different veggies.
Ingredients for Your Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Okay, so getting this dinner on the table is surprisingly simple because we’re using just a handful of really good ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Make sure they’re a decent size, not those super thin ones. We want them juicy!
- 1 large sweet potato: You’ll want to peel this guy and then cut it into nice, bite-sized cubes. Think about 1-inch pieces, something that will cook evenly on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Good old extra virgin olive oil is perfect here. We’ll split this between the potatoes and the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This is what gives those sweet potatoes a little bit of that smoky, colorful appeal!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Because… well, garlic powder just makes everything better, right?
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t forget these! They really bring out all the other flavors. A little pinch here, a little grind there, you know the drill!
How to Prepare the Perfect Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Alright, let’s get this meal cooking! Making this Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato recipe is actually super straightforward, and honestly, it’s kind of fun. You just need to follow a few simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time. Think of it like a little dance: prep the veggies, prep the chicken, hit the grill, and voilà! It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout on a weeknight. If you like similar flavor profiles, you might also enjoy our Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes Skillet or our deliciously simple Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes.
Prepping the Sweet Potatoes for the Grill
First things first, let’s tackle those sweet potatoes. Grab that large sweet potato, peel it, and then chop it into cubes. I like to aim for about 1-inch pieces – they get nice and tender on the grill without falling apart. Now, toss these cuties into a bowl. Add about a tablespoon of olive oil, that pretty paprika, the garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give them a really good toss so every single piece is coated. This is what’s going to give them that lovely color and flavor. You can even put them on a sheet pan if your grill doesn’t have a direct spot for them, or use a grill basket. They need a little head start, so get them onto the preheated grill first!
Grilling the Chicken to Perfection
While those sweet potatoes are starting their grilling journey, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat those chicken breasts dry with a paper towel – this helps them get a nice sear. Then, just season them all over with salt and pepper. I sometimes toss in a little extra garlic powder or maybe some onion powder if I’m feeling fancy, but let’s stick to the basics for now. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and rub it in. Once the sweet potatoes have been grilling for about 5-10 minutes and have those nice grill marks starting, carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts on the grill. You’ll want to cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. The best way to know they’re done and super safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer – you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, just cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink inside.
Bringing it All Together: Resting and Serving
Okay, the hard part is over! Once everything is cooked and looking absolutely delicious – those golden-brown sweet potatoes with those lovely grill marks and the perfectly cooked chicken – it’s time for the most important step: resting. Take both the chicken and the sweet potatoes off the grill and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, making it extra moist and tender. I usually just let them rest right on a cutting board. After resting, you can serve them up just as they are, or slice the chicken if you like. Easy peasy, right?
Tips for Success with Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Alright, let’s talk tricks and tips to make this Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato dish absolutely sing! I’ve learned a few things over the years, mostly through a bit of trial and error (and maybe a slightly overcooked potato or two, oops!). First off, preheating your grill is HUGE. Don’t rush it! A nice, hot grill means you get those beautiful char marks and prevent sticking. Speaking of sticking, a clean grill grate is your best friend. If you’re worried about the sweet potatoes sticking or falling through, a grill basket or even a large piece of foil with a few holes poked in it can be a lifesaver. For the chicken, make sure it’s not too thick! If your breasts are super chunky, you can pound them gently to an even thickness. This guarantees they cook through at the same time as the sweet potatoes, and prevents that dreaded dry chicken scenario. Honestly, I love a good marinade for chicken, like in my Coconut Lime Chicken, but this simple oil and spice rub works wonders too if you’re pressed for time! And remember, resting that chicken is non-negotiable for maximum juiciness! It’s amazing how much difference a few extra minutes makes, just like how the sauce in my Marry Me Chicken recipe just transforms everything.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
This recipe is pretty foolproof, but sometimes life throws you curveballs – like an empty spice rack or a craving for something *slightly* different! Let’s talk about the ingredients and what you can do if you need to swap things around. The olive oil is pretty standard, but you could totally use avocado oil if that’s what you have kicking around. It’s got a nice high smoke point, perfect for grilling. Now, paprika is wonderful for that color and mild smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, a little chili powder or even smoked paprika would be amazing additions! If you’re feeling adventurous, try a sprinkle of cumin or even some Italian seasoning on those sweet potatoes. The chicken is pretty forgiving, but for extra flavor, think about marinating it for at least 30 minutes! Something like my Roasted Veggie Tahini Yogurt Sauce has some great flavor profiles you could adapt for a chicken marinade, or even try a simple lemon-herb mix like what’s in the ingredients for roasted veggie tahini yogurt. And if you can’t find sweet potatoes? Regular potatoes or even butternut squash cubes would work, though they might need a slightly different cooking time, so keep an eye on them!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Now that you’ve got this delicious Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato masterpiece, what next? You could totally eat it just as it is – it’s a complete meal! But if you want to jazz things up a bit, I love having something fresh and bright alongside it. A crisp salad is always a winner. Imagine a refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad; the sweetness of the pineapple and the coolness of the cucumber are just *perfect* against the smoky grilled flavors. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, a vibrant Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad adds a fantastic texture and a whole new layer of flavor. Both are super easy and make this meal feel extra special!
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Cooking should be fun, not stressful, so let’s clear up anything lingering.
Can I make Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato ahead of time?
You absolutely can! The sweet potatoes are great cooked ahead and stored in the fridge. The chicken is best grilled fresh, but if you need to cook it ahead, let it cool completely before storing. Reheat gently in a skillet or the oven so it doesn’t dry out. It’s perfect for quick lunches!
What are the best spices to use for Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato?
Oh, the possibilities! Besides the paprika and garlic powder we used, you can’t go wrong with a little cumin, onion powder, or even some chili powder for a kick. Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary are also lovely on the sweet potatoes. If you’re grilling the chicken, a good BBQ rub or even a simple lemon-pepper seasoning works wonders. Folks have also loved our variations on things like BBQ Chicken and Sweet Potato, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Totally! This Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato combo is a meal prep dream. Cook everything up, let it cool, and then portion it out into containers. It stores well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For reheating, I usually pop it in a warm oven or a skillet for a few minutes to bring back that grilled goodness. It’s way better than sad desk lunches, trust me! Plus, variations like Thai peanut chicken wraps are also great meal prep options!
Nutritional Information for Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Just a little heads-up, the numbers below are estimates, you know how it goes with cooking – things can vary slightly! But it gives you a good idea of what you’re getting with this Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato. It’s packed with protein, which is awesome for keeping you full, and has a decent amount of fiber from that sweet potato. Plus, it’s not overloaded with fat, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. If you’re looking for more protein-packed ideas, definitely check out my high-protein meals and this amazing high-protein beef pasta!
Share Your Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Creation!
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato turned out. Did you try any fun spice combinations or add any extra veggies? Please, drop a comment below and share your experience, or even give the recipe a star rating – it really helps me and other cooks out there know what’s working! If you’ve got any burning questions or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out via my contact page. Happy grilling!
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Grilled Chicken and Sweet Potato
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and healthy meal featuring grilled chicken breast and roasted sweet potato.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned sweet potatoes on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
- While the sweet potatoes are grilling, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
- Brush the chicken breasts with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken and sweet potatoes from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, sweet potato, healthy dinner, easy recipe, protein, vegetables