Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Cajun-inspired chicken dish featuring roasted sweet potatoes and black beans, combining smoky spices with earthy flavors. This southern american-inspired chicken (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sweet potatoes, canned black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel and dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and 1/2 tsp salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and edges are caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While sweet potatoes roast, pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and rub all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet with the chicken for the last 3 minutes, stirring gently to warm and absorb flavors.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and beans from heat. Serve chicken breasts topped with black beans and roasted sweet potatoes on the side. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and squeeze juice of 4 lime wedges over the dish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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