Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, warming chili with tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and a kick of smoky heat, all simmered in a rich tomato broth for a satisfyingly spicy meal. This mexican-inspired whole30 ready in about 55 minutes pairs avocado oil, large, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mexican-inspired cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces with salt and pepper, then add to pot and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup diced onion to pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups diced sweet potato, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chipotle powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to pot, add 4 cups chicken broth and 1 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Uncover and simmer for 5 more minutes to concentrate flavors, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili?

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 avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili?

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 Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili 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 Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili?

Mexican-inspired 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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