Hey there, my friend. If you want a meal that’s easy, tasty, and perfect for prepping ahead, this is it. You get juicy, spicy chicken paired with tender sweet potatoes in a way that makes every bite delicious.
And guess what? This meal prep keeps well, so you’ll have ready-to-eat, flavorful meals waiting for you. Let me show you how to make it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Measuring spoons
- Large skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Meal prep containers
Important Info
- Servings: 4 meal prep containers
- Estimated Cost: Around $12 for the whole recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Additional Time: None
- Calories per Serving: About 450 kcal
- Cook Method: Baking & Stovetop
- Season: Anytime
- Courses: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, DairyFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet
How to Make Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Meal Prep
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this meal and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Chicken thighs or turkey breast |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil or coconut oil |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika or chili powder |
| Cayenne pepper | Red pepper flakes or hot sauce |
| Garlic powder | Fresh minced garlic |
| Onion powder | Fresh minced onion |
| Sweet potatoes | Butternut squash or regular potatoes |
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
- Season the chicken. In a bowl, mix the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes. In another bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Roast the sweet potatoes. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cook the chicken. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Let everything cool slightly. This helps keep moisture from building up in the meal prep containers.
- Portion into containers. Divide the sweet potatoes and chicken evenly into four meal prep containers.
- Store and enjoy. Keep them in the fridge or freeze for later.
Helpful Tips
- Cut sweet potatoes into equal-sized cubes so they cook evenly.
- If you like extra crispy chicken, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Want more flavor? Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Meal prep for the whole week? Double the recipe and freeze half.
- Reheat in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or in a pan for a fresh taste.
What to Serve with Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Meal Prep
This meal is great on its own, but if you want to switch things up, try adding:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A side of quinoa or brown rice for extra carbs
- A drizzle of yogurt sauce or hummus for a creamy touch
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving this meal prep in microwave-safe containers. That way, you can heat and eat straight from the container without making extra dishes. If you’re serving it fresh, a plate with a side salad works great.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is the perfect meal prep for work lunches, gym meals, or quick weeknight dinners. It’s also great for road trips because it holds up well without getting soggy.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- This meal is best stored in the fridge, but if needed, it can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigeration.
Refrigeration
- Store in airtight meal prep containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes or in a pan over low heat until warm.
Freezing
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They have more fat, which makes them juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time by adding a few extra minutes.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can also add a little honey or yogurt sauce to balance the spice.
How do I keep the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Spread them in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
Can I cook everything in one pan?
You can, but the sweet potatoes may take longer to cook than the chicken. If you want to use one pan, start with the potatoes, then add the chicken later.
Is this recipe good for weight loss?
Yes, it’s packed with protein and fiber while being low in unhealthy fats. It’s a balanced meal that keeps you full for longer.
Meta Description
Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Meal Prep Magic Recipe is an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weekly prep. Learn how to make this healthy, delicious dish.