Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken and sweet potatoes are a classic combination that creates a delicious and comforting meal. This recipe combines tender chicken with creamy sweet potatoes for a dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

The combination of chicken and sweet potatoes has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that pairs well with the lean protein of chicken. This recipe puts a modern twist on this classic pairing, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

2 cups mashed, cooked sweet potatoes
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.33 cup skimmed evaporated milk
0.25 cup minced onion
1 can (10 oz or 283 g) cream of chicken soup or white sauce (chicken flavored)
3 cups cubed chicken
2 tbsp brown sugar
0.13 tsp ground nutmeg
0.25 cup chicken broth
1 can (8 oz or 227 g) water chestnuts, drained and sliced
3 tbsp water

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk.
Spread the mixture around the inside edge of a round 10-inch casserole dish, forming a ring.
In a medium-sized non-stick skillet, heat the broth over low heat.
Add the onion and water chestnuts; cook until tender.
Add the soup or sauce, chicken, and 3 tbsp of water; cook over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of the sweet potato ring in the casserole dish.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbling.

Variations

Try using different seasonings or spices to change up the flavor profile of this dish.
Substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender and easily mashed. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture for the dish.

- Cooking the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the casserole dish helps to lock in the flavors and ensure that it is cooked through.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the casserole in the oven helps to meld the flavors together and create a deliciously creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweet potatoes on hand, you can use regular potatoes or butternut squash as a substitute.

- Feel free to use any type of milk or cream in place of the skimmed evaporated milk.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and chicken filling ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of this dish contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Sweet potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body.

- Each serving of this dish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

- This dish is relatively low in fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

- Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

- Chicken is a lean source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

- Each serving of this dish contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

- Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

- This dish provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (skimmed evaporated milk) and nuts (water chestnuts). Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

- It is a nutritious and satisfying option for a family dinner or special occasion.

Summary

This Chicken and Sweet Potato casserole is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a creamy sweet potato base and tender chicken filling, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Chicken and Sweet Potatoes. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals for our family with ingredients she grew in her own garden.

One day, I remember walking into the kitchen and seeing my grandmother standing over a pot of bubbling chicken and sweet potatoes. The smell was incredible, filling the room with a warm and comforting aroma. I asked her what she was making, and she smiled and told me it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations.

As she stirred the pot, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She said that it had originated from her own mother, who had learned it from a neighbor many years ago. The neighbor was a kind old lady who had immigrated from Ireland, and she had brought with her a love of hearty, comforting meals that could feed a family with simple, wholesome ingredients.

My grandmother explained that the key to the recipe was the slow simmering of the chicken and sweet potatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a dish that was both savory and sweet. She added a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the pot, giving it a warm and spicy kick that balanced out the sweetness of the potatoes.

As I watched her cook, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the way she moved around the kitchen with such ease and confidence. She chopped the vegetables with precision, seasoned the chicken with care, and stirred the pot with a gentle hand. It was clear that she had a deep love for cooking, and I knew that I wanted to learn everything I could from her.

After a few hours of simmering, the chicken and sweet potatoes were ready. My grandmother ladled out steaming bowls of the stew, topping each one with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with a symphony of flavors - the tender chicken, the creamy sweet potatoes, the warm spices. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the recipe for Chicken and Sweet Potatoes. I stood by her side in the kitchen, watching and learning as she cooked. I asked her questions about each step, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge she had to offer.

Over time, I began to develop my own twist on the recipe. I experimented with different spices, added in extra vegetables, and even tried substituting different types of meat. My grandmother encouraged me to be creative and make the recipe my own, just like she had done with her own mother's recipe all those years ago.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling chicken and sweet potatoes, I can't help but think back to that day with my grandmother. The memories flood back, filling me with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. I can feel her presence beside me, guiding my hand and whispering words of encouragement.

As I take a taste of the stew, I smile to myself. The flavors are just as delicious as I remember, a perfect balance of savory and sweet that warms me from the inside out. I know that my grandmother would be proud of the cook I have become, carrying on her legacy with each pot of Chicken and Sweet Potatoes that I make.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy my meal, I raise a spoonful to the sky in honor of my grandmother. She may no longer be with me in person, but her spirit lives on in every bite of this delicious dish. And for that, I am forever grateful.