Spicy Chicken Sweet Potato Meal Prep Magic
You’ve probably heard of meal prepping, right? It’s like setting up a delicious framework for your week, ensuring you don’t have to scramble every day for lunch or dinner
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Servings: 8
Calories: 400kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces. This is your protein powerhouse.
- 3 tablespoons zesty spice blend: Or a spicy seasoning mix of your choice. Choose what excites your taste buds!
- A few tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For that nice pan sear and flavor enhancement.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a deep smoky flavor that complements the chicken and veggies well.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional: It offers an aromatic touch that many enjoy.
- 3 medium sweet potatoes: Peel and cube them into good bite-sized pieces. They are key to the sweet side of things.
- 5 –6 cups broccoli florets or broccolini: You'll love the crunch and color.
- Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning to taste.
- For serving: Avocado hummus, lemon juice, chopped chives, or olive oil can elevate your dish even more.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key to roasting those sweet potatoes to perfection. A hot oven ensures they get crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with your zesty spice blend, smoked paprika, garlic powder (if using), and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. It should be seasoned generously. That flavor will shine through during cooking!
Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- On a baking sheet, spread out your cubed sweet potatoes in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss them gently to ensure they’re coated. Place them in the preheated oven. Roast for about 25-30 minutes. They should turn golden brown and tender.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- While sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be golden and cooked through, no pink left peeking out. When it's finished, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 5: Blanch the Broccoli
- In the same skillet, toss in your broccoli florets. Add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes. The goal here is to keep them bright green and tender-crisp. If you like them softer, feel free to extend the cooking time.
Step 6: Combine and Cool Down
- Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble! In a large bowl, mix the roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed chicken, and broccoli. Toss it all gently. This is where the magic truly happens—the flavors intermingle deliciously!
- After combining, let everything cool down completely before transferring it to meal prep containers.
Notes
- Add Variety: Switch up the spices for each batch. Try cumin, chili powder, or even a dash of curry for a unique twist.
- Cool Before Storing: Make sure your meal is completely cool before putting it in the fridge. This prevents excess moisture and keeps those flavors intact.
- Use a Quality Oil: A good extra-virgin olive oil elevates the dish. The right oil can make a notable difference.
- Proportioning is Key: Use portioned containers to make meals easy to grab when you’re on the run. Consider a mix of bigger and smaller containers for balanced portions.
- Make It Ahead: Prep your ingredients a day or two before cooking. It smooths out the process a lot!