Pan-Seared Chicken with Purple Yam and Avocado Salsa

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection served with a refreshing avocado and purple yam salsa that balances creaminess and earthiness. This filipino-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breasts, purple yam, ripe avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 Filipino cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 medium diced purple yam with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While the yam roasts, season 2 chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, roasted purple yam, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; gently toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve topped with the avocado and purple yam salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Purple Yam and Avocado Salsa 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Purple Yam and Avocado Salsa?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Purple Yam and Avocado Salsa?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Purple Yam and Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Purple Yam and Avocado Salsa gluten free?

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

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