Delight in tender baked sweet potatoes generously filled with juicy, spiced chicken strips and vibrant bell peppers and onions. The dish is topped with creamy avocado and fresh cilantro, bringing layers of texture and flavor. Perfectly seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this wholesome meal balances warmth and freshness. Simple to prepare and gluten-free, it suits easy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
The first time I made these stuffed sweet potatoes, my kitchen smelled like a Tex-Mex restaurant. My roommate actually poked her head in the door asking what I was cooking, and the timing could not have been more perfect. We ended up eating them straight from the baking sheet while standing at the counter because nobody wanted to wait for proper plates.
Last winter I started making these on Sunday afternoons when the grocery store had beautiful sweet potatoes on sale. My partner would ask every week if it was fajita potato night again. Now it has become this little tradition we both look forward to, something warm and comforting when the days feel too long.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: Pick ones that feel heavy and have smooth skin, no soft spots
- 2 tsp olive oil: Helps the skin get slightly crispy while roasting
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Sprinkle this before baking for flavor that goes deep
- 2 chicken breasts: Thin strips cook faster and absorb more spice
- 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper: The mix of colors makes it feel special
- 1 small red onion: Thin slices cook down sweet and tender
- 2 tbsp olive oil: You need enough oil to carry all those spices
- Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika: This trio creates that fajita magic
- Garlic and onion powder: Build layers of savory flavor
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper: Optional but nice if you like heat
- Salt and black pepper: Season generously, sweet potatoes can handle it
- 1 lime: Fresh juice brightens everything right at the end
- 1 ripe avocado: Creamy against the spicy filling
- Fresh cilantro: Adds that pop of color and herbal freshness
- Sour cream: Cool contrast to the warm spices
Instructions
- Roast the sweet potatoes:
- Heat your oven to 400°F and give each potato several good pokes with a fork. Rub them with oil and salt, then let them roast for about 40 minutes until a knife slides through easily.
- Cook the chicken with spices:
- While the potatoes bake, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken strips with all the spices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the vegetables:
- Throw in the sliced peppers and onions. Keep cooking until the chicken is done and vegetables are tender but still have some crunch, about 6 to 8 minutes. Squeeze the lime juice over everything and take it off the heat.
- Prep the potatoes:
- Let the roasted potatoes cool just enough to handle. Slice them open lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork.
- Assemble and serve:
- Pile the fajita filling into each potato. Top with avocado, cilantro, and sour cream. Add extra lime wedges on the side.
These potatoes have become my go-to when friends come over for dinner. Everyone gets to customize their own toppings, and I love watching people discover how well sweet potatoes pair with fajita flavors.
Making It Your Own
I have tried so many variations since falling in love with this recipe. Sometimes I add black beans to the filling for extra protein, or corn for sweetness. The beauty is how adaptable it is to whatever you have in your fridge.
Meal Prep Magic
These actually reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. I keep the topping separate until I am ready to eat, then give everything a quick warm in the microwave. The flavors seem to get even better overnight.
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Or serve with some Mexican rice on the side if you are feeding people with big appetites.
- Warm some tortillas on the side for scooping
- Add pickled jalapeños if you want more zing
- Extra lime wedges make everything brighter
Hope these bring as much warmth to your table as they have to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the chicken remains juicy?
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Cook chicken strips over medium-high heat just until done, stirring frequently to prevent drying out while allowing spices to infuse.
- → Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
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Yes, bake sweet potatoes in advance and reheat before stuffing to save time during serving.
- → What can I use instead of sour cream for topping?
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Try dairy-free yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy alternative without dairy.
- → How spicy is the filling and can it be adjusted?
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The cayenne pepper adds mild heat but can be omitted or increased to suit your taste preferences.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
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Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, ensuring a safe option for gluten-sensitive individuals.