Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Recipe

Cozy Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Recipe for Chilly Nights

Crafting a delightful chicken sweet potato curry brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Aromatic spices dance through tender meat and creamy vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors.

Rich and warming, this dish promises a culinary adventure that satisfies deeply.

Indian-inspired techniques blend seamlessly with hearty ingredients, making each bite a delectable experience.

Nourishing and complex, the curry balances sweet and savory notes perfectly.

Fragrant seasonings weave magic into simple ingredients, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll find this recipe both accessible and impressive, ready to become a household favorite.

Dive in and let your taste buds celebrate this soul-warming journey.

What’s Special About Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

  • Speedy Spice Adventure: Dive into a quick, flavor-packed curry that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in just a few simple steps.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Combines lean chicken, sweet potatoes, and spinach for a wholesome dish loaded with vitamins, protein, and delicious spices that nourish your body.
  • Customizable Comfort Meal: Easily adaptable to personal taste preferences, allowing you to adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or modify ingredients without losing the dish's core deliciousness.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan cooking method that brings together complex flavors without creating multiple dirty dishes.

Items You’ll Need For Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this curry dish.
Aromatics and Spices:
  • Onion, Serrano or Jalapeño Pepper: Provide a foundational flavor and slight heat to the curry.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Add depth and warm, aromatic notes to the dish.
  • Curry Powder, Cumin, Turmeric, Black Pepper: Create a complex and rich spice profile for the curry.
Liquid and Vegetable Components:
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Offer a tangy base and help create the curry sauce.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Add natural sweetness and provide hearty texture to the dish.
  • Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy and rich liquid base for the curry.
  • Spinach: Introduces additional nutrients and a fresh green element.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall flavor of the curry.
  • Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish and additional flavor complexity.
Cooking Base:
  • Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Making Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Step By Step

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add and cook:
  • Onions
  • Serrano or jalapeño pepper
  • Salt

Sauté until onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add chicken to the pan in an even layer. Cook while stirring occasionally until chicken develops golden-brown spots.

Step 3: Infuse with Spices

Introduce and blend:
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Curry powder
  • Cumin
  • Turmeric
  • Black pepper

Stir constantly for one minute, ensuring chicken is completely coated with spices.

Step 4: Add Tomato Base

Pour crushed tomatoes into the pan and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Create Curry Sauce

Add:
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Coconut milk

Scrape pan bottom to incorporate browned bits. Bring to gentle boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook until sweet potatoes become tender.

Step 6: Finish with Greens

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add spinach, cover, and cook until wilted.

Step 7: Final Flavor Boost

Turn off heat. Drizzle lemon juice and stir in chopped cilantro.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over rice or alongside flatbread. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Helpful Ideas For Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

  • Elevate Spice Intensity: Adjust curry powder and cumin amounts to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
  • Substitute Protein Easily: Swap chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or shrimp for a versatile dish that accommodates different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Prevent Mushy Potatoes: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain a perfect texture throughout the curry.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cauliflower to increase the nutrient density and create a more robust meal.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to release their essential oils, intensifying the curry's aromatic complexity and richness.

Different Styles Of Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the same cooking method and spice blend for a protein-packed meat-free alternative.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based protein like tempeh, swap coconut milk for coconut cream, and ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly while preserving the original curry's rich flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the aromatic curry spices and creamy texture intact.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients except spinach and lemon juice into a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-7 hours, then add spinach and lemon juice during the final 30 minutes for a hands-off preparation approach.

What Pairs With Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a vibrant Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the curry's spicy and creamy flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's aromatic spices.
  • Serve with Cooling Raita: Prepare a refreshing yogurt-based side with cucumber, mint, and a pinch of cumin to balance the curry's heat and provide a smooth, tangy contrast.
  • Match with Garlic Naan: Grill soft, buttery garlic naan bread to help soak up the delicious curry sauce and provide a perfect textural complement to the tender chicken and sweet potatoes.
  • Enjoy with Mango Lassi: Blend fresh mango, yogurt, and a touch of cardamom to create a sweet, cooling drink that neutralizes the curry's spiciness and adds a tropical dimension to the meal.

Best Ways To Store Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Transfer curry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place curry in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour curry into a saucepan, add a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture.

Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Common Questions

  • Is this curry spicy?

The heat level depends on the pepper you choose. Serrano peppers are spicier than jalapeños, so pick according to your spice tolerance. You can also remove the pepper seeds to reduce heat.

  • Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas. Each option will change the flavor profile slightly but work well with the curry spices.

  • Do I need fresh spices for this recipe?

Fresh spices make a big difference in flavor. While ground spices from your pantry work, toasting and grinding whole spices will give a more vibrant, intense taste to your curry.

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Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Recipe

Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

Spicy aromas of chicken sweet potato curry dance through kitchens, promising a flavor-packed journey of comfort and warmth. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-satisfying meal that connects culinary traditions with home-cooked goodness you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cups 45 g baby spinach

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 red or yellow onion
  • 1 serrano pepper or jalapeño
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2-inch piece of fresh ginger
  • 1 1/2 pounds about 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Spices and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 2–3 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Indian red chili powder or regular chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 13.5 oz / 400 ml can full-fat unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet with a lid over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling base for the curry’s aromatic foundation.
  2. Introduce onions, peppers, and a pinch of salt, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence for approximately 2 minutes.
  3. Arrange chicken in an even layer, allowing it to develop golden-brown highlights through occasional stirring.
  4. Incorporate a vibrant blend of garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper, thoroughly coating the chicken and awakening the spices’ intense flavors.
  5. Cascade crushed tomatoes into the pan, creating a rich, robust sauce that will infuse the dish with depth.
  6. Gently fold in sweet potatoes and creamy coconut milk, loosening any caramelized bits clinging to the pan’s surface.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it harmonize for 15 minutes, ensuring sweet potatoes become tender and succulent.
  8. Evaluate and refine the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Delicately layer spinach across the surface, allowing it to wilt and integrate into the curry’s complex profile.
  10. Remove from heat, brighten the dish with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  11. Present the aromatic curry atop fluffy rice or alongside warm flatbread, garnishing with extra cilantro for a final flourish.

Notes

  • Swap out serrano or jalapeño for milder poblano peppers if you prefer less heat, ensuring a gentler spice level for sensitive palates.
  • Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance the curry’s depth and release more complex, aromatic flavors that elevate the overall dish.
  • Choose bone-in chicken thighs for richer taste and moisture, which prevents the meat from drying out during the cooking process.
  • Use low-fat coconut milk to reduce calories without compromising the creamy texture, making this curry a healthier weeknight meal option.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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