Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of tender chicken thighs and creamy sweet potatoes in a spiced coconut-peanut sauce. This Coconut Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew is a perfect one-pot meal that’s nourishing and ideal for family dinners. The harmonious blend of ingredients creates a satisfying experience for your taste buds, making it an excellent option for meal prep or a cozy dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s a creamy coconut chicken and sweet potatoes dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of spices creates a delightful taste that your family will love. Additionally, it’s a healthy coconut chicken sweet potato recipe that fits well into a balanced diet. With nourishing ingredients like sweet potatoes, which provide fiber and vitamins, you’re not just serving a flavorful meal, but a nutritious one too. The Coconut chicken recipe is also versatile; you can modify it to suit your preferences. Finally, it’s a one-pan coconut chicken and sweet potato meal, saving you time on cleanup!

Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato: 10 Flavorful Comfort Meals - Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato - main visual representation

Ingredients for Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato

Gather these items:

⅓ cup about 3 oz fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic (peeled)
2 jalapeño peppers (chopped, remove seeds for milder flavor)
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange or lime juice
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons peanut oil (divided)
1 large onion (coarsely chopped)
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with juices
½ cup roasted peanuts
½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut (plus extra for garnish)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
1 pound sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes)
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1½-inch pieces)
For serving: lime or orange wedges, chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro, and cooked rice (optional)

How to Make Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create the Aromatic Spice Paste: In a food processor, combine ginger, garlic, jalapeño, orange or lime juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and water. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions: In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook until golden, about 7 to 8 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Spice Paste: Add the spice paste to the onions. Cook for about 3 minutes until it darkens and becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Coconut, and Peanuts: Stir in diced tomatoes, peanuts, coconut milk, and shredded coconut. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Blend for a Silky Sauce: Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth. Return to the saucepan.
Step 6: Build the Stew: Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
Step 7: Simmer Sweet Potatoes: Add sweet potatoes and cook for 18–20 minutes until tender.
Step 8: Brown the Chicken: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil. Sear chicken pieces until golden, about 7 to 8 minutes per batch.
Step 9: Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish: Ladle into bowls and garnish with coconut, peanuts, cilantro, and lime or orange wedges.

Pro Tips for the Best Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato

Keep these in mind:

This stew is great for meal prep.
Adjust the spice level by modifying jalapeño usage.
Serve it with rice or flatbread for a complete meal.
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs beforehand.

Best Ways to Serve Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato

Serve this dish in several delightful ways:

Over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
With warm flatbreads for a satisfying dip into the stew.
As a healthy coconut chicken sweet potato recipe paired with a side salad for a balanced meal.

How to Store and Reheat Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato

To store leftovers, let the stew cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This meal prep-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights!

Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato

What’s the secret to perfect Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato?

The secret lies in the aromatic spice paste that creates a robust flavor profile. Using fresh ingredients like ginger and jalapeño enhances the overall taste of the dish, making it a standout sweet potato chicken dish.

Can I make Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you sauté the onions until they are golden and fragrant before adding the spice paste. This step builds flavor and prevents the spices from burning.

Variations of Coconut Chicken Sweet Potato You Can Try

Here are some exciting variations:

For a Coconut chicken curry with sweet potato, add curry powder and serve with naan.
Make a Coconut chicken sweet potato casserole by layering with cheese and baking until bubbly.
For a lighter option, use roasted sweet potatoes instead of boiled ones.

For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in meal prep tips, visit this guide. For a deeper dive into coconut milk and its uses, see this resource.