Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

Featured in: Hearty and Delicious Mains

This Chicken Sweet Potato Curry brings the warmth of Indian spices right to your kitchen table. The dish combines tender chicken thighs and chunky sweet potatoes in a rich coconut milk sauce, seasoned with a blend of curry powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition, while a splash of lemon juice brightens all the flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal comes together in just 40 minutes and can even be made in a slow cooker. The recipe makes enough to feed 4-6 people and tastes even better the next day.
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Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 12:39:21 GMT
Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Pin it
Chicken Sweet Potato Curry | tastygusto.com

Imagine a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices in a rich coconut milk sauce. This vibrant curry transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen table. Every spoonful delivers warmth and comfort while filling your home with enticing aromas that draw everyone to the dinner table.

After countless curry experiments, this recipe has become my family's absolute favorite. The sweet potatoes add a unique twist that even my children adore, making it our go-to comfort meal during busy weeks. The way the potatoes absorb the curry flavors creates something truly magical.

Ingredient Selection Guide

  • Sweet Potatoes: Bring natural sweetness and heartiness. Choose firm, unblemished potatoes with orange flesh.
  • Chicken Thighs: Offer superior flavor and tenderness. Select boneless, skinless pieces for easy preparation.
  • Coconut Milk: Creates a luxurious sauce. Full-fat varieties provide the best texture and richness.
  • Fresh Aromatics: Enhance depth. Look for firm ginger roots and crisp serrano peppers.
  • Ground Spices: Form the flavor base. Choose fresh, aromatic spices for best results.

Creating Perfect Curry

Aromatics Foundation:
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Sauté onions until translucent, then add peppers and ginger. Cook until fragrant and soft.
Spice Development:
Incorporate ground spices and toast gently to release flavors. Add minced garlic, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
Sauce Building:
Pour in coconut milk slowly, add diced tomatoes, and incorporate sweet potato chunks. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Final Touches:
Add fresh spinach leaves, cover, and steam until wilted. Finish with fresh herbs and adjust seasoning thoughtfully.

My journey with this curry began during a rainy evening when I craved something comforting yet different from traditional stews. The addition of sweet potatoes was inspired by my grandmother's love for combining sweet and savory flavors. These experiments led to what has become our family's most requested meal.

Soul Warming Accompaniments

Serve this aromatic curry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every drop of the luxurious sauce. Warm naan bread provides the perfect tool for scooping up tender sweet potatoes and chicken. For a complete meal, add a side of cooling cucumber raita or fresh mint chutney. When hosting guests, I create a toppings bar with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and toasted cashews for personalized finishing touches.

A bowl of chicken soup with vegetables and herbs. Pin it
A bowl of chicken soup with vegetables and herbs. | tastygusto.com

Curry Customization Ideas

Transform this versatile recipe to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Replace chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content. Add cauliflower florets or bell peppers for extra vegetable variety. For heat lovers, increase serrano peppers or add a pinch of cayenne. During busy seasons, I often prepare double batches, freezing portions for later. Some guests prefer adding coconut cream for extra richness.

Keeping Curry Fresh

Allow curry to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. This flavorful dish maintains its taste and texture for up to four days when properly refrigerated. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding coconut milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Mastering Curry Creation

  • Toast whole spices briefly before grinding for maximum flavor impact.
  • Layer seasonings gradually rather than adding all at once.
  • Allow sweet potatoes to steam properly for perfect tenderness.

Through countless family dinners and gatherings, this curry has proven itself as a reliable crowd pleaser. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked sweet potatoes creates harmony in every bowl.

Weekly Meal Solutions

Prepare components ahead for easier assembly during busy evenings. Cube sweet potatoes, chop onions, and measure spices in advance. Store prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. This preparation makes the final cooking process smooth and efficient, perfect for hectic weeknights.

Global Flavor Journey

While inspired by Indian cuisine, this curry creates its own unique flavor profile. The sweet potatoes add unexpected depth, while coconut milk brings richness that complements the spice blend perfectly. Consider this recipe a gateway to exploring more global flavors in your kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond its delicious taste, this curry provides excellent nutrition. Sweet potatoes offer beta carotene and fiber, while spinach adds iron and vitamins. The combination of protein and complex carbohydrates creates a satisfying, balanced meal that sustains energy levels.

A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of rice with meat and vegetables. | tastygusto.com

This sweet potato curry represents comfort food with a global twist. Through years of serving it to family and friends, I've witnessed its ability to bring warmth and satisfaction to any gathering. The recipe proves that simple ingredients, treated with care and attention, can create extraordinary results that bring people back to the table time after time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this curry ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to 2 days ahead. The flavors actually improve overnight. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
→ What can I substitute for coconut milk?
While coconut milk gives the best flavor, you can use heavy cream or cashew cream for a similar richness. Just add a bit more broth to thin the sauce.
→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works fine but watch the cooking time as it cooks faster than thighs. Cut into even pieces and cook just until done to keep it tender.
→ Is this curry spicy?
The spice level is moderate with one chili pepper. Remove the seeds for mild heat, or add an extra pepper for more kick. The coconut milk helps balance the heat.
→ What can I serve with this curry?
Serve over basmati rice, with naan bread, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A side of cucumber raita helps cool things down.

Creamy Chicken Sweet Potato Curry

This Chicken Sweet Potato Curry combines tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and warming spices in a rich coconut milk sauce for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 6 Servings (4 to 6 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 Coconut oil or avocado oil - 2 tablespoons
02 Red or yellow onion, diced - 1 whole
03 Serrano or jalapeño pepper, finely diced - 1
04 Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
05 Boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces - 1.5 pounds

→ Aromatics & Spices

06 Minced garlic cloves - 4
07 Fresh ginger, peeled and grated - 2 inch piece
08 Curry powder - 2 to 3 tablespoons
09 Indian red chili powder or regular chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon
10 Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
11 Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
12 Black pepper - 1 teaspoon
13 Garam masala - 1 teaspoon (optional)

→ Vegetables & Liquids

14 Crushed tomatoes - 1 can (14.5 oz)
15 Sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 1/2 pounds (about 2 medium)
16 Full-fat unsweetened coconut milk - 1 can (13.5 oz)
17 Baby spinach, roughly chopped - 3 cups

→ Finishing Touches

18 Fresh lemon juice - 1 to 2 tablespoons
19 Fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup plus more for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Get your pan nice and hot with oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion, chili pepper, and salt - let them dance together for about 2 minutes until the onion softens up. Add your chicken pieces in a single layer and let them brown a bit.

Step 02

Now's the time for all those fragrant spices! Mix in the garlic, ginger, and all your ground spices. Keep stirring for about a minute until your kitchen smells amazing and the chicken is wearing a beautiful coat of spices.

Step 03

Pour in those crushed tomatoes and give everything a good stir. Then add your sweet potato chunks and creamy coconut milk. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom - that's pure flavor!

Step 04

Let it all come to a gentle bubble, then turn down the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste, then add your spinach and cook another 5 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and spinach is wilted.

Step 05

Turn off the heat and brighten it all up with fresh lemon juice and a handful of cilantro. Serve it hot over rice or with some warm flatbread on the side.

Notes

  1. You can adjust the spiciness by controlling the amount of chili pepper seeds you include
  2. Keep an extra can of coconut milk handy if you prefer more sauce
  3. The curry powder's strength varies by brand and age - adjust accordingly

Tools You'll Need

  • Large sauté pan with lid
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Grater for ginger