Name: Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered; ½ cup white onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed; 4 oz can green chiles with juice; 2 tsp light olive oil; ½ tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; ⅓ cup medium salsa (or your favorite); Juice of ½ lime; ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded; Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish

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Introduction

This Mexican-Style Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Skillet is a vibrant and satisfying one-pan meal. Packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. The combination of spices and fresh lime juice adds a wonderful zest to the dish.

The image shows a close-up of a white cooking pot filled with a colorful mix of diced chicken, bright orange sweet potato cubes, black beans, and chopped red tomatoes. The chicken pieces are light golden with a slightly moist texture, mixed evenly with the soft-looking sweet potatoes and shiny black beans. Small bits of green pepper and herbs are scattered throughout, adding flecks of green. A white spoon is scooping up a portion of the dish, highlighting the mix of textures and warm colors. The background is a white marbled surface, giving a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tsp light olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ cup white onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
4 oz can green chiles with juice
⅓ cup medium salsa (or your favorite)
Juice of ½ lime
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Freshly chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Place the sweet potato cubes in a microwave-safe dish with ½ cup of water. Microwave for 4 minutes until mostly cooked but still firm.
Step 2: Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and oregano, coating them evenly.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Brown the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the sweet potato, black beans, grape tomatoes, green chiles with juice, lime juice, and salsa to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 3 minutes to warm through and let the flavors meld. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet contents. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt for a minute or two. Serve topped with freshly chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result.
Try adding corn or bell peppers to increase the veggie count and color.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier flavor twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the dish feels dry during reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate holding a colorful mixed dish made of many layers. The bottom layer is mostly melted yellow cheese that looks soft and sticky. On top of that, there are many dark black beans spread all over with some soft cooked light orange sweet potato chunks mixed in. There are also pieces of cooked red tomatoes and light yellow onions visible among the beans and sweet potatoes. The dish looks sprinkled with green dried herbs, adding texture and color. In the background, there is a white pan slightly out of focus with more of the same food inside. The plate is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and add extra black beans or another plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Increasing the veggies also makes it hearty and flavorful.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance, such as chopping vegetables and seasoning the chicken, but it’s best to cook the dish just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.