Sear-Grilled Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potato and Kale

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

A balanced meal featuring tender chicken and sweet potato topped with nutrient-dense kale for sustained energy. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 40 minutes pairs trimmed of fat chicken breast, medium, peeled and cubed sweet potato, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 1, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 1 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and pinch black pepper on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
  3. Step 3: Pat chicken dry, season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and pinch black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: While chicken cooks, sauté minced garlic in 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add kale to skillet and cook for 3 minutes, tossing until wilted and vibrant green.
  7. Step 7: Serve chicken over smashed sweet potato with kale on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sear-Grilled Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potato and Kale take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Sear-Grilled Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potato and Kale?

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 trimmed of fat chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sear-Grilled Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potato and Kale?

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 Sear-Grilled Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potato and Kale for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Sear-Grilled Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potato and Kale?

American whole30 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.

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