Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

This Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is a delightful dish that brings the warmth of Indian cuisine to your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something rich and comforting. This recipe combines tender chicken and sweet potatoes in a creamy coconut sauce, making it not just delicious but also nutritious. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how it delivers flavors that rival your favorite Indian takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup is guaranteed since everything cooks in one pot, saving you time on dishes.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and coconut milk creates an ultra-creamy flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving over rice or with flatbread, this curry can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from sweet potatoes and spinach, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience as seamless as possible, gather the right tools. Having the essential equipment makes preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large sauté pan with lid
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large sauté pan with lid: This allows for even cooking and helps retain moisture during simmering.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables and chicken.

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Ingredients

This luxurious Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is an Indian-inspired meal made in one pot with mostly pantry staples. It’s a fabulous weeknight dinner that is nutritious and filled with ultra-creamy, rich flavors that will taste as good as your favorite Indian takeout.

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil, or avocado oil
– 1 red or yellow onion, diced
– 1 serrano pepper or jalapeño pepper, finely diced (see notes)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut to bite-size pieces
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated (or minced)
– 2 – 3 Tablespoons curry powder (see notes)
– 1/2 teaspoon Indian red chili powder, or regular chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
– 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes, or half of 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 1/2 pounds (about 2 medium) sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (see notes)
– 3 cups (45g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 – 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish (optional)

How to Make Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan that has a lid over medium-high heat. Add the onion, chili pepper (Serrano or jalapeño), and salt. Sauté until the onion starts to soften, about two minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken in an even layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned in spots.

Step 3: Add Spices

Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and garam masala (if using). Cook while stirring constantly until the chicken is evenly coated in spices, about one minute. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.

Step 4: Incorporate Sweet Potatoes

Add the sweet potatoes and coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for about fifteen minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Taste your curry; season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Add the spinach to the pot; cover again and cook until spinach is wilted and sweet potatoes are fork-tender—about five minutes more.

Step 6: Serve

Turn off the heat; drizzle lemon juice over the dish and stir in chopped cilantro before serving hot over rice or with flatbread garnished with more cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Serving Chicken Sweet Potato Curry can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, enhancing its rich flavors.

With Rice

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice absorbs the curry’s sauce perfectly.
• Coconut Rice: Adding coconut milk to rice complements the curry’s tropical notes.

With Flatbread

• Naan Bread: Soft and chewy naan is ideal for scooping up the curry.
• Roti: A whole wheat option that adds a nutty flavor to your meal.

As a Salad

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy curry.
• Mango Salad: Sweet mango slices add a fruity touch that balances the spices.

How to Perfect Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Perfecting your Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is simple with a few expert tips. Follow these steps for an even better dish.

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Replace old spices for maximum impact.
• Balance Flavors: Taste the curry before serving. Adjust salt and acidity with lemon juice as needed.
• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Sweet potatoes should be tender but not mushy for texture contrast.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust chili powder or include more peppers based on your spice preference.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

To complement your Chicken Sweet Potato Curry, consider these delicious side dishes. They will round out your meal beautifully.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Adds a vibrant green color and nutrients; steam until bright and tender.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty alternative to rice, quinoa adds protein; cook with vegetable broth for extra flavor.
3. Roasted Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets in olive oil and roast until golden for added crunch.
4. Curried Chickpeas: Flavorful chickpeas cooked in similar spices create harmony on the plate; serve warm.
5. Spiced Lentils: Nutritious lentils seasoned with cumin and coriander bring earthy flavors; serve hot or warm.
6. Chickpea Salad: A light salad of chickpeas, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed in lemon juice offers freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Sweet Potato Curry, it’s easy to overlook some essential steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using the wrong oil: Choosing an oil with a low smoke point can affect the flavor. Opt for coconut or avocado oil for better results.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on it, and remove it from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink.
• Ignoring spice measurements: Too much or too little spice can ruin your curry’s flavor. Measure spices carefully to maintain balance.
• Not simmering long enough: Skipping the simmering step can result in undercooked sweet potatoes. Allow adequate time for flavors to meld and sweet potatoes to soften.
• Skipping the lemon juice: Omitting this ingredient can lead to a flat taste. Add lemon juice at the end for brightness and freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Sweet Potato Curry in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

• Freeze curry in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Sweet Potato Curry that might help you perfect your dish.

Can I use different types of meat in this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or turkey depending on your preference.

Is Chicken Sweet Potato Curry spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on how much chili pepper you add. Adjust according to your taste!

How do I make this curry vegetarian?

You can replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of this curry.

What sides pair well with Chicken Sweet Potato Curry?

This dish goes great with rice, quinoa, or flatbreads like naan or pita.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is a delightful mix of flavors that make it perfect for weeknight dinners. Its creamy texture and rich spices are sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with different proteins or veggies based on your preference. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!