Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the classic fajita and turns it into a wholesome, hearty meal by using sweet potatoes as a base. The sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, making them the ideal vessel for the juicy, well-seasoned chicken and colorful peppers. The blend of spices adds a savory depth of flavor to the chicken, while the roasted sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and earthy texture. With fresh lime juice (or True Lime) to brighten up the dish, this recipe is a refreshing, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 2-3 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp coarse sea salt

For the Fajitas:

• 1-1½ lbs of boneless chicken, sliced into thin strips
• 2-3 bell peppers (a variety of colors works best)
• 1 medium-sized onion (purple or yellow)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
• Fresh lime juice or True Lime (optional)

Directions

For the Sweet Potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes and pierce them a few times with a fork.
3. Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
4. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

For the Fajitas:

1. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. While the chicken is cooking, slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, add the bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, granulated sugar, salt, chicken bouillon, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
6. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to help the spices coat the mixture. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding lime juice or True Lime if desired for extra freshness.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, cut a slit down the center of each one and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
2. Spoon the fajita chicken and vegetable mixture into each sweet potato.
3. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes for the sweet potatoes, 10-12 minutes for the fajita filling
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with black beans or a mix of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Option: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicier kick.
• Toppings: Top with your favorite fajita toppings, such as shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sweet potatoes and fajita filling can be stored separately or together.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sweet potatoes seem dry, add a small splash of water or broth to the filling while reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the fajita filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the filling before serving and stuff into the roasted sweet potatoes.

Can I use ground chicken instead of sliced boneless chicken?

Yes, ground chicken can be used in place of sliced chicken. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While sweet potatoes add a nice balance of sweetness to the dish, you can substitute with regular potatoes or even roasted squash for a different twist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. To add some creaminess, you can top with dairy-free yogurt or avocado instead of sour cream.

Can I freeze the fajita filling?

Yes, you can freeze the fajita chicken and vegetable filling. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and heat it through with the vegetables and seasonings.

What kind of bell peppers should I use?

You can use any color of bell pepper (red, yellow, orange, or green). A variety of colors will add to the visual appeal and flavor of the dish.

Can I use a different kind of protein?

Yes, you can swap out the chicken for beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a different flavor profile.

How can I make the sweet potatoes cook faster?

To speed up the cooking process, you can microwave the sweet potatoes. Pierce them with a fork and microwave for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I add cheese to the stuffed sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the fajita filling for a cheesy, melty addition. Just make sure to use a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.

Conclusion

Fajita Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines all the delicious elements of a fajita with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. This dish is easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrition, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. With its balance of savory chicken, smoky spices, and the richness of the sweet potato base, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.

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