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Southwestern Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwestern Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

This one skillet wonder is loaded with tender chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, black beans, and a bold blend of spices, all topped with bubbly melted cheese. It's a hearty, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwestern, Tex-Mex
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons oil divided
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 large sweet potato peeled and cubed
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 10 ounces frozen corn thawed
  • 2 bell peppers stemmed, seeded, and chopped
  • 4 green onions sliced, divided
  • 1 10 ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 15.5 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Guacamole for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same skillet. Add the cubed sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown and tenderize, about 12-14 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the corn, bell peppers, and half of the sliced green onions. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the can of undrained Rotel tomatoes and 1 cup of the chicken stock. Return the browned chicken to the skillet and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering liquid in the skillet, then add the drained black beans and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce has thickened and the beans are heated through, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in up to an additional 1/2 cup of chicken stock.
  • Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and set to broil. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Broil until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn golden in spots, about 2-3 minutes. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
  • Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with the remaining sliced green onions and extra chopped cilantro. Serve warm in bowls, topped with a spoonful of guacamole if desired.