Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is just the thing! It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether you’re having a quiet dinner at home or hosting friends for a casual get-together. Packed with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, this curry is sure to become a favorite in your household.

This dish brings together the rich creaminess of coconut milk with tender chicken and sweet potatoes, all simmered together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something special without too much fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Simplifies cooking and cleanup – less time in the kitchen means more time enjoying your meal!
• Flavorful and Nutritious: A delightful blend of spices that not only taste amazing but also provide health benefits.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves this dish! It’s mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for adults.
• Make Ahead: Prepare it in advance and reheat for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
• Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our wholesome ingredients! This Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is made from simple pantry staples that are both nutritious and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Curry

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, or avocado oil
• 1 red or yellow onion, diced
• 1 serrano pepper or jalapeño pepper, finely diced (see notes)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated (or minced)
• 2 – 3 tablespoons curry powder (see notes)
• 1/2 teaspoon Indian red chili powder or regular chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes, or half of 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1.5 pounds (about 2 medium) sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (see notes)
• 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 – 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish (optional)

Variations

The beauty of this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is its flexibility! You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste or use whatever you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or peas to boost the nutritional value.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of chili powder for an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Change the base: Serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative.

How to Make Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan that has a lid over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and chili pepper along with salt. Sauté until the onion begins to soften—this should take about two minutes. The aromatics create a delicious base for your curry!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Once the onions are softened, add your chicken pieces in an even layer. Cook them while stirring occasionally until they are slightly browned in spots. This step adds depth to the flavor of your dish.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Now it’s time to stir in garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and garam masala if you’re using it. Keep stirring until everything is evenly coated with those beautiful spices—about one minute will do! Then pour in those crushed tomatoes.

Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes and Coconut Milk

Next, add your sweet potatoes and coconut milk into the pan while scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing it to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about fifteen minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Seasoning

After fifteen minutes have passed, check if your sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If they are ready, fold in your chopped spinach and cover again until it wilts—this should take about five more minutes. Before serving, drizzle in some lemon juice and mix in chopped cilantro for freshness.

Now serve hot over rice or with flatbread garnished with extra cilantro if desired! Enjoy every warm bite of this delightful Chicken Sweet Potato Curry!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Cooking this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate it to perfection!

• Choose your spice level: Adjust the amount of chili pepper based on your heat preference. This allows you to customize the dish to suit your taste and those of your guests.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor profile of your curry significantly. They impart a richness that store-bought, pre-ground spices may lack.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the curry to simmer longer helps all the flavors meld beautifully. A good 15-20 minutes ensures that sweet potatoes are tender and that the spices fully develop their aromas.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: The acidity from lemon juice brightens up the dish, balancing out the creaminess of coconut milk and enhancing the overall taste.
• Add greens: Throwing in some extra greens like kale or Swiss chard can boost nutrition without compromising flavor. Plus, they add a lovely pop of color!

How to Serve Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Presenting your Chicken Sweet Potato Curry can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your meal even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro on top adds freshness and a burst of flavor that complements the curry perfectly.
• Sliced green onions: These provide a mild sharpness and beautiful color contrast against the rich curry.
• Lime wedges: Offering lime wedges on the side gives an additional citrusy zing that guests can squeeze over their servings.

Side Dishes

• Basmati rice: The fluffy texture and subtle nuttiness of basmati rice make it an ideal base for soaking up the curry’s luscious sauce.
• Naan bread: Soft naan is perfect for scooping up curry, providing a wonderful chewy contrast to the creamy dish.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with yogurt dressing offers a cooling effect against the warm spices in the curry.
• Roasted vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted vegetables can complement the sweetness of sweet potatoes while adding depth and variety to your meal.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a memorable dining experience that brings warmth and comfort right to your table. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, hearty meals throughout the week without hassle. It stores beautifully, making it a convenient choice for dinner or lunch.

Storing Leftovers

• Once cooled, transfer the curry to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

• Allow the curry to cool completely before freezing.
• Place it in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, divide into meal-sized portions.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen curry in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Chicken Sweet Potato Curry:

Can I make Chicken Sweet Potato Curry ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later enjoyment.

What can I serve with Chicken Sweet Potato Curry?

Serve this curry over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside flatbread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Can I use other vegetables in Chicken Sweet Potato Curry?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas to customize this dish.

Is Chicken Sweet Potato Curry healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken and sweet potatoes, making it a wholesome choice for any dinner.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or lentils and adjust cooking times accordingly for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry as much as I do! It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick meal prep option during your busy week, this recipe is designed to bring warmth and happiness to your table. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!