Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and delights the taste buds, you’ll absolutely love this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition. With tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and sweet potatoes, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this one-pot wonder makes dinner both easy and special. Plus, it’s packed with flavor that rivals your favorite Indian takeout! Trust me; once you try this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry, it’ll find its way into your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This curry comes together in just one pot, making clean-up a breeze!
• Family-friendly: The mild spices and creamy texture make it appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Nutritious ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes and spinach, it’s as good for you as it is delicious.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare this curry in advance and reheat it for an even richer flavor later.
• Versatile: Enjoy it over rice or with flatbreads; it pairs beautifully with both!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Chicken Sweet Potato Curry. Most of these can be found right in your pantry or local grocery store!

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 to 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 1/2 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 (45g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 – 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro plus more for garnish (optional)

Variations

This Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is wonderfully flexible! You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Add extra veggies: Throw in some bell peppers or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
• Change up the spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your heat preference—more for spice lovers!
• Try different greens: Instead of spinach, you could use kale or Swiss chard for a delightful twist.

How to Make Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and chili pepper along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion starts to soften—this usually takes about two minutes. The goal here is to build a flavor base that will enhance every bite of your curry.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the chicken pieces in an even layer. Cook them until they’re slightly browned in spots while stirring occasionally. This browning adds depth to the flavor and ensures that every piece is juicy and tender.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, chili powder, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and garam masala if you’re using it. Cook for another minute while stirring constantly to coat the chicken evenly with all those wonderful spices—this step really sets the stage for an aromatic dish!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix everything together well. Then add in your sweet potato chunks along with coconut milk. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; they hold tons of flavor! Bring everything to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to simmer.

Step 5: Simmer Away!

Cover your pan and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes while stirring occasionally. During this time, taste your curry! Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Afterward, add that beautiful chopped spinach on top—cover again until it’s wilted and those sweet potatoes are fork-tender; about five minutes should do.

Step 6: Finish It Off

Once everything is cooked through and smelling heavenly, turn off the heat. Drizzle in some lemon juice for brightness and stir in cilantro if you’re using it. Serve hot over fluffy rice or alongside warm flatbreads—don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro if desired!

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of Chicken Sweet Potato Curry that’s sure to bring smiles at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Chicken Sweet Potato Curry to the next level!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your curry. They release essential oils that provide a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with pre-ground spices.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the serrano pepper. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add more! Tailoring the spice level to your taste ensures everyone at the table enjoys it.

• Let it simmer longer: Allowing your curry to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes can deepen the flavors even further. The longer it simmers, the more integrated and rich the taste will become.

• Use leftovers creatively: Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! This curry makes a fantastic filling for wraps or can be served over quinoa instead of rice for a nutritious twist.

• Don’t skip the lemon juice: Adding lemon juice at the end brightens up all the flavors in your curry. It adds a refreshing touch that balances out the richness of coconut milk.

How to Serve Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Serving this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments that enhance its flavors!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds color but also brings a burst of freshness that complements the dish perfectly.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their curry, adding an extra zing.
• Toasted coconut flakes: For a hint of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top before serving.

Side Dishes

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is a traditional companion for curries. Its nutty aroma and slightly floral notes help balance out the rich flavors perfectly.
• Naan Bread: Soft and warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up curry. You can serve it plain or garlic-flavored for an extra kick.
• Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-based condiment made with cucumber and herbs helps balance out spicy dishes like your curry with its refreshing taste.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp contrast to the creamy curry.

Enjoy crafting this delicious meal! Your Chicken Sweet Potato Curry will surely become a favorite at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Sweet Potato Curry is an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week. It stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the curry to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the curry cool completely before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in Chicken Sweet Potato Curry?

Yes! While chicken thighs add richness, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option. Just be mindful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly than thighs.

How do I make Chicken Sweet Potato Curry spicier?

To elevate the heat in your Chicken Sweet Potato Curry, consider adding more chili powder or incorporating fresh chilies into the mix. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

Can I substitute sweet potatoes with another vegetable in Chicken Sweet Potato Curry?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace sweet potatoes with other vegetables like carrots or butternut squash. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on their tenderness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Chicken Sweet Potato Curry! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings comfort and flavor together. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep for your workweek, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!