If you are craving a meal that is as vibrant and delicious as it is nourishing, the Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish balances perfectly seasoned, tender grilled chicken with crispy, flavorful sweet potato fries and a bright, creamy avocado salsa. It offers a symphony of textures and fresh, bold flavors that will make your dinner table come alive. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to meals for busy weeknights or casual weekend feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create such a fantastic meal. Each one plays an important role, whether adding spice, tang, or that wonderful fresh crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into tenders): Perfect for quick grilling and easy to marinate.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook evenly.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a savory depth to both chicken and fries.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors subtly but deliciously.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that ties the dish together beautifully.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Introduces a herbal note to the chicken marinade.
- ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: The essential seasoning base for balanced flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped): Adds bright color and freshness to the chicken.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides an uplifting citrus tang in the marinade.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (cut into fries): Naturally sweet and perfect for baking crisp fries.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for fries): Ensures your fries crisp up gorgeously in the oven.
- 1 tsp paprika (for fries): Lends a subtle spice and vibrant color.
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for fries): Complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper (for fries): Enhances all the roasted flavors.
- 1 avocado (diced): Creates a creamy, buttery base for the fresh salsa.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.
- ¼ red onion (finely chopped): Adds a crisp bite and slight sharpness.
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped): A fragrant herb that livens up the salsa.
- 1 tbsp lime juice: Gives the salsa a zesty sparkle.
- Salt & pepper to taste (for salsa): Balances the fresh flavors perfectly.
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream: Provides a cool, tangy dip to accompany the dish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for dipping sauce): Adds gentle savory notes to the sauce.
- ½ tsp dried dill: A fresh, herby touch for the dipping sauce.
- ½ tsp lemon juice (for dipping sauce): Brightens the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- Salt & pepper to taste (for dipping sauce): To finish the sauce on just the right note.
How to Make Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Fries
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key to getting those sweet potato fries crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Toss the fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper so every fry gets coated in that beautiful seasoning blend. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet to avoid overcrowding and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they roast evenly and develop a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 2: Marinate & Grill the Chicken
While the fries are baking, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon juice in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Coat the chicken tenders in this mixture and let them sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors really soak in. Grill over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and boasts a beautiful golden char. The combination of herbs and citrus in this marinade will make your chicken irresistibly tasty and juicy.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa
Next, gently combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This salsa is refreshing and creamy with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness that complements both the chicken and fries perfectly. Its vibrant colors also make your plate look as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt or sour cream with garlic powder, dried dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill the sauce until serving time; it’s the perfect creamy contrast to the smoky chicken and crisp fries, adding an extra layer of flavor and comfort to the meal.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Finally, plate your grilled chicken tenders alongside a generous helping of those golden sweet potato fries and a scoop of the vibrant avocado salsa. Place the dipping sauce on the side – ready for dunking and spooning. This plate will impress anyone with its beautiful colors and harmonious flavors.
How to Serve Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on the chicken and salsa for a burst of green freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the fries just before serving can also add a lovely sheen and richness. Don’t underestimate the simple power of a fresh herb garnish to brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is wonderfully complete on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a light cucumber and tomato salad provides a refreshing contrast. A chilled glass of sparkling water with lime or a crisp white wine would round out the meal beautifully, keeping things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or just want to make dinnertime fun, consider stacking the chicken tenders in a slight fan shape over the fries with a generous scoop of avocado salsa on top or beside the plate. Serve the dipping sauce in small ramekins so everyone can customize their bites. You can also turn this into a vibrant platter and add some crunchy tortilla chips on the side for the salsa—making it perfect for sharing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken, sweet potato fries, and avocado salsa store well separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and fries are best eaten within 2 days to enjoy their flavors and textures at their peak. The avocado salsa can last about a day but tends to brown, so adding a bit of extra lime juice before storing helps maintain its vibrant color.
Freezing
Sweet potato fries and grilled chicken can be frozen if you want to prep in advance. Freeze them in single layers on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags to avoid clumping. However, it’s best to avoid freezing the avocado salsa because the texture will change once thawed.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and fries in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to restore some crispness, usually about 10 minutes should do the trick. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely texture. The avocado salsa should be served cold, so add it fresh when serving to retain its flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust your cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu marinated in the same spices. They both soak up flavor well and pair wonderfully with the sweet potato fries and avocado salsa.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust it?
This recipe leans towards mild, focusing on warm and smoky flavors rather than heat. If you prefer spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or sprinkle chili flakes on the fries before baking.
Can the sweet potato fries be baked in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air frying sweet potato fries is a quick and easy option that yields crispy results. Cook them at around 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
What is the best way to store leftover avocado salsa?
Store leftover avocado salsa in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning. Adding extra lime juice before storing also helps keep it fresh longer, but it’s best eaten within a day for optimal taste and color.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe is one of those truly satisfying meals that bring comfort, nutrition, and excitement to your plate all at once. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but special enough to impress friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and healthy meal featuring tender grilled chicken tenders seasoned with aromatic spices, crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries, and a fresh, zesty avocado salsa complemented by a creamy garlic dill dipping sauce. Perfect for a balanced and flavorful 40-minute dinner for two.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into tenders)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (cut into fries)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Avocado Salsa
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Fries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the cut sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden, crispy, and tender inside.
- Marinate & Grill the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and lemon juice to create the marinade. Coat the chicken tenders thoroughly in this mixture and let them marinate for about 10 minutes. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and cook the chicken tenders for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through with a golden-brown exterior.
- Make the Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, gently stir together the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Be careful not to mash the avocado while mixing to maintain its texture.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt or sour cream with garlic powder, dried dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill this sauce in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
- Assemble & Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken tenders on plates alongside a generous serving of the crispy sweet potato fries and a fresh scoop of avocado salsa. Serve the creamy garlic dill dipping sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this balanced, colorful meal immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop works well to cook the chicken.
- Use ripe but firm avocado to prevent the salsa from becoming too mushy.
- Leftover dipping sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust seasoning in the avocado salsa and dipping sauce to your personal taste.
