If you’re looking for an easy, nutritious, and delicious meal that can feed the entire family, try making a herbed chicken and sweet potato casserole.
This hearty dish is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it has a unique flavor and texture that will satisfy your taste buds and your stomach.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Grease a baking dish with coconut oil.
- Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and sprinkle them with smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped sweet potatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, and stir well.
- Cook the sweet potato mixture for about 5 minutes or until slightly softened.
- Add the honey and stir well.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the sweet potato mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 25 minutes.
- Remove the aluminum foil and bake the dish for another 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste and dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:.
- Use skin-on chicken breasts for a crispy texture.
- Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the sweet potato mixture for more flavor and nutrients.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones, if available.
- Replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.
- Use different spices, such as cumin, coriander, or chili powder, for a more exotic flavor.
- Make the casserole more filling by adding cooked quinoa, rice, or lentils to the sweet potato mixture.
Health Benefits
This herbed chicken and sweet potato casserole is a great source of several essential nutrients that support health and well-being.
Here are some of the main health benefits:.
- Protein: Chicken is a rich source of high-quality protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.
- Fiber: Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, which promotes bowel regularity, improves cholesterol levels, and helps control blood sugar.
- Vitamins and minerals: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, E, B6, and potassium, which are important for vision, skin health, immunity, brain function, and heart health.
- Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- Anti-inflammatory compounds: Herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Conclusion
This herbed chicken and sweet potato casserole is a nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that can satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
It’s a great way to enjoy the health benefits of chicken and sweet potatoes, while adding a unique flavor and texture to your dinner table. Try it today and enjoy a hearty and wholesome meal!.