Hearty Black Bean Sweet Potato and Chicken Chili Recipe

When comfort meets nutrition, this black bean sweet potato and chicken chili recipe delivers a hearty meal packed with robust flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Slow-simmered and richly seasoned, the chili blends tender chicken with creamy sweet potatoes and protein-rich black beans.

Warm spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of taste that warms you from the inside out.

The combination offers a perfect balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vibrant seasonings.

Home cooks can easily assemble this one-pot wonder with minimal prep work and maximum satisfaction.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of textures and a depth of flavor that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Let’s find out this nourishing chili and savor every delicious, comforting spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Black Bean Sweet Potato and Chicken Chili Ingredients

• Boneless Chicken Breasts or Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, juicy protein that adds hearty substance to the chili, with rotisserie chicken offering a quick time-saving alternative.
• Black Beans: Robust legume that provides extra protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to complement the chicken.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a deep, savory base for the chili's complex flavor profile.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and sharp undertone that builds depth in the dish.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces a crisp texture and bright vegetable sweetness to balance the spices.
• Chile Powder: Delivers warm, smoky heat that defines the chili's signature taste.
• Ground Cumin: Earthy spice that adds authentic southwestern complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those craving an extra spicy kick.

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy, naturally sweet vegetable that provides substantial bulk and nutritional richness.
• Corn: Adds bright color, subtle sweetness, and pleasant crunch to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Creates a juicy, tangy sauce that binds all ingredients together.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and develops initial flavor layers.
• Coarse Salt and Fresh Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall taste.

• Shredded Sharp Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty topping that adds creamy richness.

Tools for Cooking Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the chili, providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for dicing chicken and preparing vegetables safely.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping of chicken, onions, and bell peppers.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and salt for balanced flavor.
• Measuring cups: Ensures correct quantities of ingredients are used.

How to Make Black Bean Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

• Kitchen Prep Space A cozy cooking area with all tools ready, cutting board cleared, and ingredients within reach makes the cooking journey smooth and enjoyable.
• Chicken Foundation Grab fresh chicken breasts and season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sear in a hot pot until golden and fully cooked, creating delicious caramelized edges that boost flavor.
• Veggie Symphony Chop onions, bell peppers, and garlic into vibrant pieces. Sauté them gently until they release their aromatic magic, filling the kitchen with warm, inviting scents.
• Hearty Fusion Add sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, and corn into the pot. Dust with chile powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes for a flavor explosion that wakes up taste buds.
• Final Flourish Slice cooked chicken into bite-sized chunks and fold back into the pot. Let everything simmer and mingle for about 35 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese and crunchy tortilla chips for a meal that hugs your soul.

Tips for a Hearty Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili

• Transform your black bean sweet potato and chicken chili with these expert tips and delicious twists.
• Dial up or tone down heat by adjusting red pepper flakes. Add more for a fiery kick or reduce for mild comfort. Sprinkle extra chile powder for adventurous palates wanting bold flavor profiles.
• Swap chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu. Each protein brings unique texture and nutrition, keeping the dish exciting and versatile for different dietary preferences.
• Sneak extra vegetables into the chili like diced zucchini, spinach, or kale. These additions increase nutritional value and create more complex layers of flavor. Chop vegetables finely to blend seamlessly into the hearty mix.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to three months. Store in airtight containers, leaving space for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Serving Black Bean Sweet Potato and Chicken Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this chili in deep, wide bowls that showcase the colorful mix of chicken, sweet potatoes, and beans. The warm presentation invites immediate comfort and satisfaction.
• Toppings Galore Station: Create a DIY topping bar with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, jalapeño rings, and lime wedges. Guests can customize their chili with fresh, zesty additions that elevate the flavor profile.
• Rustic Sidekick Pairing: Complement the chili with warm cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, or a crisp green salad. These accompaniments balance the hearty protein-packed chili and provide delightful textural contrast.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose extra chili as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, a topping for nachos, or a robust sauce over brown rice. This versatile dish keeps giving delicious meal options beyond the initial serving.

Storing Chili Made with Sweet Potato and Chicken

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chili fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers or freezer bags, removing excess air to maintain quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chili slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. Microwave works well too, stirring midway through for consistent temperature.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a double batch for easy weeknight dinners. Pack lunches in portable containers, keeping toppings like cheese and tortilla chips separate to maintain crispness. Label containers with date and contents for quick kitchen organization.

Hearty Black Bean Chili

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired black bean sweet potato and chicken chili brings hearty warmth to dinner tables with complex spices and nutritious ingredients. Home cooks can quickly create this robust meal that satisfies hunger and delights palates.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) boneless chicken breasts or 2 heaping cups rotisserie chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (480 ml) cubed sweet potatoes
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) rinsed black beans
• 2 cans (14 oz/400 g each) diced tomatoes with their juices
• 1 cup (240 ml) corn
• 1 small bell pepper, sliced thinly into strips
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp chile powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Coarse salt and fresh black pepper to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Shredded sharp cheddar or monterey jack cheese
• Sour cream
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Seasoning and Searing: Generously season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, thoroughly cooking chicken until no pink remains. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board to cool.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Increase pot heat slightly and sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
3. Spice and Substance: Incorporate diced sweet potatoes, canned tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and corn kernels into the vegetable base. Sprinkle chile powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper throughout the mixture, creating a robust and balanced flavor profile.
4. Simmering and Melding: Slice cooled chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and return to the pot. Reduce heat and allow chili to simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure sweet potatoes reach desired tenderness and adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Finishing Touches: Ladle chili into serving bowls and top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Chicken Prep Tip: Allow chicken to cool completely before slicing to prevent moisture loss and maintain juicy texture.
• Spice Distribution Strategy: Sprinkle spices evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite, preventing clumping of seasonings.
• Sweet Potato Tenderness Check: Test potato softness during simmering to avoid overcooking, which can turn them mushy and lose structural integrity.
• Garnish Enhancement: Layer toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips just before serving to maintain crisp textures and fresh flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg