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Sweet Potato Chicken Chili: Easy High-Protein Comfort Food Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 99 reviews

This Sweet Potato Chicken Chili is a hearty, high-protein comfort food that redefines traditional chili by integrating sweet potatoes for natural sweetness, silkiness, and depth of flavor. Combining tender chicken thighs, a robust spice blend, beans, and slow simmering, this chili delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with a delightful texture and vibrant color.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (or use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

The Sweet Potato Integration:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds total), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Finishing Touches (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for garnish
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken thigh pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, add it in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
  3. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This process, known as “blooming,” significantly enhances their flavor.
  4. Add Sweet Potatoes and Liquids: Add the cubed sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), rinsed black beans, rinsed kidney beans, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
  5. Simmer and Meld: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For an even deeper flavor, you can simmer for up to 2 hours, adding more broth if it becomes too thick.
  6. Adjust and Finish: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne for heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice for a bright finish.
  7. Serve: Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • For richer flavor, consider roasting the sweet potato cubes separately until caramelized before adding them to the chili during the last 20-30 minutes of simmering.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili with creamier texture, cook the chili longer and mash some sweet potato pieces gently against the side of the pot.
  • Beans can be omitted or substituted with vegetables like corn or zucchini according to preference.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing cayenne pepper or adding chipotle powder or fresh chilies for more heat.
  • Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; flavors improve after resting.
  • Alternative root vegetables such as butternut squash or carrots may be used in place of sweet potato but will alter texture and sweetness.

Keywords: chicken chili recipe, chili variations, comfort food recipe, hearty chili, sweet potato chicken chili, sweet potato chili, sweet potato recipe, high-protein chili, cozy dinner

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