Spicy Tomato and Sweet Potato Chili

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

A vibrant, warming chili featuring ground chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and a kick of chili spices, simmered to perfection in a rich tomato base. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 50 minutes pairs pounds ground chicken, tablespoons olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1.25 pounds ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, and cook for 5 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 diced sweet potatoes and 2 diced tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to release juices.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken bone broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Serve hot with fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Tomato 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 pounds ground chicken from drying out.

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

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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