Seared Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash

Pan-seared chicken breast coated in a flavorful West African-inspired spice blend, served alongside creamy sweet potato mash and sautéed greens.
- Prep: 15 min
- Cook: 15 min
- Total: 30 min
- Servings: 4.5
- Cuisine: African
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $2.90/serving
Dietary
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Nut-Free
- Soy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Paleo
- Whole30
- High-Protein
Tags
- quick
- one-pot
- sauté
- healthy
- savory
- spicy
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch thick pieces)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 sweet potatoes (medium, peeled and cubed)
- 0.25 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 6 ounce fresh spinach
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breast pieces with smoked paprika, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- While the chicken cooks, place the cubed sweet potato in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons water, cover, and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until very tender. Drain any excess water.
- Mash the cooked sweet potato with 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
- Serve the seared chicken alongside the sweet potato mash and sautéed spinach. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheat well. For even creamier mash, add a bit more coconut milk.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 42.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.8 g
- Fat: 15.3 g
- Fiber: 6.5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Saturated Fat: 8.1 g
- Sugar: 5.9 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg