Mouth-Watering Southern Chicken Recipe With Sweet Potatoes
Welcome to my Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes recipe! This dish is perfect for anyone who loves southern-style cuisine with a modern twist. The combination of savory and sweet flavors in this recipe will leave your taste buds dancing.
Southern cooking has always been known for its delicious comfort food, but this recipe takes it to the next level. By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and roasted sweet potatoes, I’ve created a healthier version of the classic southern fried chicken and mashed potatoes meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests with some down-home cooking, this Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up y’all, cause I’m about to tell you why this Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes recipe is going to change your life. Not only is it packed with flavor and perfect for a hearty family dinner, but it also has some serious health benefits.
Firstly, let’s talk about the star of the show— the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This lean protein source serves as the foundation for this dish, giving you the energy and satiety that you need to power through even the busiest of days.
But that’s not all. The sweet potatoes in this recipe add a touch of sweetness that can help cut down on sugar cravings, while also providing complex carbs that give your body long-lasting energy. Plus, they’re chock-full of vitamins A and C, which are essential for keeping your immune system strong and healthy.
And let’s not forget about the spices that make this dish so unique. The combination of ground cloves and nutmeg give it a warm, comforting feel that’ll make you want to cozy up on the couch with a blanket. The honey and evaporated milk add just the right amount of sweetness to balance out those savory flavors.
But don’t just take my word for it— try it out for yourself! This recipe is easy to follow and can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to devote to cooking. Plus, it’s customizable— swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat or add some raisins for an extra burst of sweetness.
Trust me when I say that once you make this Southern-style chicken sweet potato meal prep recipe, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s perfect for anyone who loves comfort food but still wants to stay health-conscious. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cookin’!
Ingredient List
Southern-style chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Here’s what you need to make this recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup of raisins
These ingredients are all you need to create a tasty and hearty meal that will impress your guests. You can find most of them at your local grocery store, but if you have trouble finding anything, don’t be afraid to ask the staff for help.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking our Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes Recipe.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and slice 4 medium sweet potatoes into small pieces. Place them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of salt then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of honey.
Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts
Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Add Raisins Mixture
In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of raisins and 1/2 cup evaporated milk. Pour over chicken and sweet potatoes.
Step 5: Bake In The Oven
Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes Recipe. This flavorful dish is perfect for any meal, any time of year.
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there! The great thing about cooking is that you can get creative with the ingredients and find new ways to switch up the recipes.
For this Southern-style Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes recipe, you can make some substitutions and variations to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
Firstly, instead of sweet potatoes, you can swap them out for regular potatoes or butternut squash. These two alternatives will work just as well with the chicken as sweet potatoes do. You could also try adding in some broccoli or kale for a healthier twist on this dish.
Another modification you could make is to use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts, and they cook faster too.
If you’re not too keen on frying chicken or par-baking it half way through, you can also opt to roast or bake the chicken breast in the oven at 375°F for roughly 25-30 minutes, depending on your oven’s temperature.
Lastly, for a fun variation, you could try stuffing your sweet potatoes with raisins, honey and ground cloves instead of baking them whole. This would make for a delicious side dish that’s perfect for those who love their food sweet and savory.
Remember—the key to making a recipe your own is by experimenting until you find what works best for you. So go ahead and take some culinary risks; who knows what kind of deliciousness you’ll discover!
Serving and Pairing
Oh, now we’re talking! The moment for serving has finally arrived, and you’re probably feeling anxious about how to present this beautifully cooked Southern-style chicken with sweet potatoes to your loved ones. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered on the serving and pairing front as well.
First things first, let’s talk about garnishing the dish. I suggest sprinkling some raisins on top of the chicken breasts and sweet potatoes to give an added sweetness to your plate. Alternatively, a sprinkle of crushed nuts like almonds or pecans can also add a lovely crunch. You might even consider adding a few fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra flavor hit.
As for pairings, there are several options that will work well with this dish. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will be perfect as it balances out the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the potatoes. Steamed broccoli goes great with roasted chicken and can complete your meal perfectly.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, then why not try making mashed potatoes or roasted butternut squash? They both have buttery flavors that will complement the warm spices of the chicken and sweet potatoes nicely.
For drinks, I’d recommend serving up either a glass of iced tea or maybe even a darker beer like a lager or stout. These drinks both have refreshing qualities and stand up well against the bold flavors in this dish.
So there you have it – a few suggestions to help you serve and pair your Southern-style chicken breasts with sweet potatoes recipe effortlessly. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious home-cooked meal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to enjoy this southern-style chicken sweet potato recipe at a later time, here are some helpful tips for make-ahead, storing and reheating.
To make-ahead this recipe, you can prepare the chicken and sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. After roasting the chicken and sweet potatoes, let them cool completely before storing them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you want to serve them, simply reheat them on a sheet pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until warm, usually for 10-15 minutes.
For storing leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating leftovers from the fridge or freezer, add extra liquid such as chicken broth or water, then microwave or reheat in the oven on low heat until heated through.
If you’re looking for other ways to use up leftover chicken and sweet potatoes, try making tortilla wraps with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce. Additionally, roasted chicken and sweet potatoes can also be added to salads or grain bowls like quinoa or brown rice for an easy meal prep option.
Remember to never leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours as this can lead to bacterial growth which may cause food poisoning. Always properly store and reheat leftovers within safe time limits.
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to making Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes Recipe is ensuring that it turns out moist and flavorful. Here are a few tips for perfect results every time:
Firstly, make sure you season your chicken breasts well before cooking. Use any combination of salt, ground cloves, nutmeg, or other preferred spices to add flavor to your meat. The spices will also help caramelize the chicken breasts when they’re roasting in the oven.
Secondly, make sure that you cut your sweet potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook uniformly. This helps them to roast properly and release their natural sweetness.
Thirdly, don’t be afraid to add raisins for a touch of sweetness. They complement the honey and sweet potatoes perfectly and will leave your mouth singing.
Another method for getting juicy chicken breasts is brining them beforehand. A simple brine of sugar, salt, and evaporated milk will work wonders in infusing flavors into your meat while also keeping them moist.
When cooking the dish, be sure to keep an eye on the chicken breasts and sweet potatoes as they roast in the oven. Turn the chicken after 10 minutes and check on them every few minutes thereafter until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).
Lastly, let the cooked chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them moist and tender.
By following these tips and taking your time while preparing this delicious Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes recipe, you will enjoy perfectly cooked chicken breasts with sweet potatoes that’ll melt your heart away!
FAQ
As with any recipe, you may have some questions or concerns about Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes. To help you get the most out of this recipe, I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and provided answers to them. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or an aspiring home chef, these tips and tricks will help you create a mouth-watering meal that your family and friends will love. So don’t hesitate, read on for some helpful insights!
How to cook chicken breasts so they are moist and tender?
Let’s talk about how to turn those bland chicken breasts into a juicy, flavorful delight. Firstly, take a mallet and flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
Next, season the chicken generously with your favorite blend of spices. I highly recommend using a mix of paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
Now, heat up a pan on medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil to it. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and let them cook for 1 minute without disturbing them. This will give the chicken a nice sear.
Once the minute is up, flip the chicken breasts over and turn the heat down to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the chicken breasts cook for 10 minutes. This low and slow cooking method allows the chicken to cook through without drying out.
After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the chicken breasts rest in the pan for an additional 10 minutes. This ensures that the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more moist and tender.
And there you have it, delicious and succulent chicken breasts that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
What is the secret to moist chicken breast?
Before cooking your chicken, it’s important to give it a quick soak in a brine solution. I recommend using a mixture of water and a couple of tablespoons of salt for around 20 to 30 minutes. This will amplify the taste profile and juiciness of your chicken, resulting in an extremely tender cooked poultry. It’s a critical step to avoid ending up with tough, unappetizing meat.
How to make chicken breast soft like restaurants?
Get ready for the most tender chicken breast you have ever tasted! To achieve this, use 3/4 tsp of baking soda (bi-carb) per every 250g/8oz of chicken breast strips or pieces. Let the chicken marinate for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under running water. Remove any excess water by lightly patting the meat with a paper towel. You can then prepare the chicken according to your chosen recipe. You’ll be amazed at how incredibly tender and delicious it turns out, reminiscent of the tender chicken you often find in Chinese restaurants.
How to make chicken breast taste great?
When it comes to adding flavor to meat dishes, marinating is a popular and effective method. It does more than just enhance the taste, as the right combination of healthy fats and acidic ingredients can also help bring tenderness to meat. A typical marinade usually consists of a mixture of oil, acid, salt, and various seasonings such as spices, crushed garlic or even a hint of natural sugar.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Chicken Breasts with Sweet Potatoes recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some delicious southern-style cuisine to their menu. The combination of tender chicken breasts and sweet potatoes infused with ground cloves, nutmeg, honey, and evaporated milk creates an explosion of flavors that will satisfy any palate. With its easy-to-follow steps, substitutions and variations options, and useful tips for perfect results, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Additionally, this recipe can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated to maximize convenience without losing the original taste.
So what are you waiting for? Gather up the ingredients from the grocery store and make your delicious chicken sweet potatoes dish. Trust me; your family and friends will love it! Plus, you can make adjustments like swapping chicken breasts with thighs or adding raisins to suit your tastes. This dish is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of sides like broccoli or smashed sweet potatoes for a more satisfying meal.
Lastly, if you’re looking for more recipes that can complement this dish, check out other potato recipes like butternut squash or mashed potatoes or explore new flavors with options like lemon chicken or maple glazed chicken. Treat your taste buds; indulge in the goodness of Southern-style cuisine with this fantastic recipe today!
Southern Chicken Breasts With Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 chicken breasts, with bone
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 (16 ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained, reserving 1/4 cup syrup
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken breast and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 350. Arrange chicken in a 13 by 9 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine evaporated milk, honey, salt, nutmeg and cloves. Pour over chicken.
- Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and arange sweet potatoes and raisins around chicken.
- Pour reserved 1/4 cup syrup over chicken.
- Return to oven and bake 40 minutes or until chicken is done.