Description
Comforting “Crustless Chicken and Sweet Potato Delight” brings warmth to family dinner tables with its hearty blend of lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables. Silky smooth textures and balanced flavors make this dish a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3–4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced into coins
- 2 large celery sticks, sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups sweet potatoes (1 medium) or Yukon potatoes, cut into small bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2–4 cups baby spinach, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- 1–2 tablespoons butter, unsalted preferred
- ⅓ cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 cup milk (skim, 2%, or whole)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Transform a dutch oven or pot into a culinary canvas by gently melting butter over medium-low heat. Introduce chopped onion, carrots, and celery, allowing them to dance and soften for 6-8 minutes with occasional stirring. Infuse the mixture with minced garlic during the final moments, creating a fragrant foundation.
- Dust the softened vegetables with a delicate layer of flour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Toast the flour briefly to eliminate its raw essence and develop a nutty undertone.
- Gradually cascade chicken stock and milk into the vegetable mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumpy disruptions. Incorporate sweet potatoes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme. Elevate the temperature until the liquid bubbles, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing potatoes to tenderize over 15-20 minutes.
- Transition the pot off direct heat. Fold in cooked chicken, frozen peas, parsley, and optional spinach, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Return to low heat, permitting ingredients to intermingle and warm through for an additional 5 minutes.
- Assess the consistency, adjusting seasoning if needed. Let the mixture rest momentarily before serving, allowing flavors to fully develop and integrate.
Notes
- Meal Prep Magic: This hearty dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Veggie Versatility: Feel free to swap out frozen peas with other vegetables like corn or green beans for added nutrition and variety.
- Protein Power: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish, making meal preparation a breeze.
- Healthy Comfort: Sweet potatoes provide a nutritious alternative to traditional white potatoes, boosting the meal’s vitamin and fiber content.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Spice it Up: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg