Cumin-Spiced Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew
A comforting one-pot stew with tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and aromatic cumin, simmered to perfection for a hearty weeknight meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup, chopped carrots
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless cut into 1-inch pieces, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium onion diced and 2 cloves garlic minced to the pot, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ground cumin and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the pot, then add 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup carrots chopped. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cumin-Spiced Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Cumin-Spiced Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew?
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 Cumin-Spiced Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew 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.
What goes well with Cumin-Spiced Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
