Okay, let me tell you about my absolute go-to weeknight warrior: this incredible Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice! Seriously, when I’m totally drained after a long day and the last thing I want to do is a million dishes, this is what I whip up. It’s all cooked right there in one pot, which is basically a miracle in itself, right? The sweet potato gets all tender and sweet, the chicken is perfectly cooked, and the rice just soaks up all those yummy flavors. I remember first making this one rainy Tuesday because I had chicken thighs and a lonely sweet potato staring at me from the counter, and voilà – dinner magic! It’s super satisfying and totally hits the spot every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my house:
- It’s a true one-pot wonder: Less cleanup means more relaxing time!
- Super flavorful: The chicken and sweet potato combo is just *chef’s kiss*.
- Nutritious and balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and good carbs.
- Perfect for busy nights: Comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed.
- Kid-approved (usually!): Even picky eaters tend to like this Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice.
- So adaptable: Easily swap in other veggies or proteins if you need to.
Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
Okay, you’re going to love how simple this all is! Here’s what you’ll need to pull off this deliciousness. Make sure you’ve got everything handy before you start; it makes the cooking part so much smoother.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (just a regular drizzle is fine!)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (thighs stay nice and moist, trust me!)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes (about half an inch so they cook through nicely)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (any standard white rice will work here)
- 2 cups chicken broth (this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to your taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (just a little kick)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
Alright, let’s get this delicious one-pot meal cooking! It’s really straightforward and comes together beautifully if you follow a few simple steps. Honestly, the hardest part is just dicing that sweet potato, and even that’s not bad! If you’re a fan of one-pot meals and wondering how to make something similar without a slow cooker, check out this slow cooker chicken and rice recipe for another easy option.
Searing the Chicken for Your Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
First things first, we gotta get that chicken browned! Heat up your olive oil in a nice big pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your chicken pieces. You don’t want to crowd the pan, so if needed, do this in batches. Let them get a nice golden-brown color on all sides – this step is super important because it really locks in the flavor and gives the whole dish a richer taste. Just a few minutes per side is usually perfect.
Combining Ingredients for the One-Pot Meal
Okay, chicken is beautifully browned? Great! Now, toss in your diced sweet potato and the uncooked rice right into the same pot with the chicken. Give it all a good stir to coat everything a bit. Then, pour in your chicken broth, that half teaspoon of salt, and the quarter teaspoon of pepper. It should look like a delicious, colorful mess at this point! Make sure everything is submerged as much as possible.
Simmering Your Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice to Perfection
Now for the magic to happen! Bring that mixture up to a rolling boil, just for a moment. Then, immediately turn the heat down to the lowest setting your stove has – we want a gentle simmer. Pop a lid on tightly so no steam escapes. Let it do its thing for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the rice to be perfectly cooked and all that liquid to be wonderfully absorbed. Resist the urge to peek too early!
Finishing Touches for Your Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
Once the time is up and the liquid is gone, take the pot off the heat and let it sit, still covered, for about five more minutes. This helps the rice finish steaming. Then, grab a fork and gently fluff everything up. This separates the rice grains and mixes the chicken and sweet potatoes in perfectly. And there you have it – dinner is served!
Tips for the Best Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
Want to make sure your Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice is absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve totally got you covered! After making this a million times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. For another super easy chicken and potato meal, you absolutely have to try this garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet – it’s amazing too!
- Don’t skip browning the chicken! Seriously, that little bit of color adds SO much flavor. It’s not just about looks; it’s about building layers of deliciousness.
- Dice your sweet potato evenly: This ensures it cooks through at the same rate as the rice. If some pieces are too big, they might stay a bit firm.
- Use good quality chicken broth: It really does make a difference in the overall taste versus just water.
- Don’t lift the lid too soon when simmering: Let that steam do its job! Opening the lid releases all the heat and moisture you need for the rice to cook perfectly.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
You know, the beauty of this Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice is that it’s pretty forgiving! But to get it just right, I have a few thoughts. Chicken thighs are my secret weapon here because they stay super moist even when simmering forever. If you absolutely MUST use chicken breast, just make sure you don’t overcook it when browning, and maybe add it a few minutes later to the simmering pot, or it can get a bit dry. For something different, have you tried this coconut lime chicken recipe? It’s a whole other vibe but still easy! And if you’re craving that sweet potato goodness but want a different spice blend, check out this BBQ chicken sweet potato dish!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
This Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice is a meal in itself, honestly, but if you want to stretch it or add some extra zing, I’ve got a couple of ideas that totally work. A simple green salad, like this pineapple cucumber salad, gives a nice, fresh contrast. Or, for something a little more hearty but still Veggie-packed, try serving it with some roasted veggies dressed in tahini yogurt, kind of like these roasted veggie tahini yogurt bowls. They both add a lovely pop of color and flavor!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your quickest friend – just a minute or two, stirring halfway through, should do the trick! You can also gently warm it up on the stovetop in a pot with just a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
Got some burning questions about whipping up this easy Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice? I totally get it! Here are a few things people often ask me when they’re making it for the first time. Oh, and if you love stuffed things, you should totally check out this shredded chicken rice stuffed idea for another tasty meal!
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You sure can! Chicken breast works fine, but chicken thighs stay a bit more moist because of their higher fat content. If you use breast, just be careful not to overcook it when you’re browning it earlier, or it might get a little dry. It’s a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand!
Can I make this Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice spicier?
Oh, absolutely! If you like things with a little kick, you can totally amp up the heat. Just toss in some red pepper flakes along with the salt and pepper, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end. So easy to customize!
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
This is such a flexible dish! Feel free to toss in some frozen peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of simmering – they’re super convenient. Some diced bell peppers or even some green beans would be yummy additions too. It’s nice to throw in whatever you’ve got in the fridge!
Nutritional Information for Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice is estimated, of course! Things can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use and even the size of your sweet potato. But generally, you’re looking at roughly 450 calories per serving, with about 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s also got a good dose of fiber, around 5g, which is awesome! For more yummy, healthy meals, you should totally poke around my healthy recipes section!
Share Your Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice Creation!
I’d absolutely love to hear how your Chicken & Sweet Potato Rice turned out! Did you add anything special? Let me know in the comments below, or better yet, share a photo on social media and tag me – I promise I’ll feature it! You can read more about my kitchen adventures on my about me page, or if you have any questions that I didn’t cover, feel free to reach out!
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Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful one-pot meal featuring chicken and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in diced sweet potato, uncooked rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs if preferred.
- Add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, sweet potato, rice, one pot meal, easy dinner, healthy meal