Chicken and Sweet Potato Casserole

Chicken and Sweet Potato Casserole has become my favorite cozy dinner for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike Whether you are looking to feed a hungry family or gather friends around the table this recipe brings warmth and comfort in every bite Tender chicken mingles with sweet potatoes and onions soaking up flavorful spices and broth for a one-pan wonder that is both nourishing and hearty

I remember the first time I made this casserole after a chilly soccer game My kitchen filled with spicy roasted aromas and now my family asks for it whenever fall rolls around

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: skin on and bone in for rich flavor and juicy texture Look for plump pink thighs from a reputable butcher

• Sweet potatoes: peeled and cubed They bring a natural sweetness and hearty texture Choose ones that feel heavy and have smooth skins

• Onion: chopped Adds mellow depth and ties all the flavors together Go for yellow onions with no soft spots

• Garlic: minced Brings a punch of fragrance and flavor Fresh garlic cloves deliver the best taste

• Olive oil: Helps crisp the skin and caramelize the veggies A golden hued extra virgin variety is ideal

• Ground paprika: This adds a warm smoky undertone I love using smoked paprika for even more flavor

• Dried thyme: Earthy and herbal it balances the sweetness of the potatoes Go for organic if possible for more vibrant flavor

• Salt and pepper to taste: A pinch of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper go a long way in bringing everything together

• Chicken broth: Moistens the casserole and deepens the savory flavor Choose a low sodium broth with a clean ingredient list

• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish: Adds a burst of color and freshness Look for bright green leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius Let it come fully up to temperature so everything bakes evenly

Prepare Your Baking Dish:

Drizzle olive oil into a large oven safe baking dish Spread the oil using a pastry brush or paper towel to coat the entire bottom This step keeps the chicken and sweet potatoes from sticking and helps flavor the base

Season the Chicken:

In a small bowl combine paprika dried thyme salt and pepper Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs Be sure to lift the skin gently and pat some seasoning underneath for extra flavor

Assemble the Dish:

Place your seasoned chicken thighs in the baking dish skin side up Arrange the cubed sweet potatoes and chopped onions around and between the chicken Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the top so every bite gets a little of that aromatic goodness

Add Chicken Broth:

Pour chicken broth around the chicken and vegetables making sure it seeps through to coat the bottom without drowning the pieces This will help the sweet potatoes steam perfectly and keeps the chicken tender

Bake the Casserole:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil Bake for forty five minutes so the chicken stays moist and the sweet potatoes soften Remove the foil and continue baking for another fifteen minutes to allow everything to brown and the chicken skin to crisp beautifully

Garnish and Serve:

Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley Let the dish rest for five minutes so the juices settle Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite

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Sweet potatoes are my favorite ingredient here Their natural caramelized edges always remind me of my grandmother who loved adding them to Sunday roasts She swore sweet potatoes soaked up the best flavors and now I see why

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat cover and warm in a three hundred fifty degree Fahrenheit oven or use the microwave for single servings This casserole also freezes well Place cooled portions in freezer safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy future meal

Ingredient Substitutions

For a leaner version swap chicken thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts If you want a dairy free option stick with olive or coconut oil Feel free to try vegetable broth in place of chicken broth or add extra vegetables such as carrots or baby spinach for more nutrition Red onions or shallots make an aromatic alternative if yellow onions are unavailable

Serving Suggestions

I like to pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top You can add crusty whole grain bread on the side for soaking up the delicious pan juices For a holiday meal toss in a few chopped apples or dried cranberries for a festive feel

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A Little Cultural Context

Casseroles have long been a staple in home kitchens where hearty ingredients come together in a single pan The sweet potato gives a nod to Southern cooking while the simple robust flavors are reminiscent of comforting European pot roasts This recipe honors those traditions with a healthier twist

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time if needed, as breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs.

→ How do I make the chicken skin crispier?

To achieve crispier chicken skin, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This allows the skin to brown and crisp up nicely.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust bake time slightly if adding firmer vegetables.

→ Can I substitute sweet potatoes with another root vegetable?

Yes, you can use butternut squash or regular potatoes as alternatives. Cooking time may need adjustment depending on the vegetable chosen.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.