Grilled Chicken with Sweet Potato Black Bean Salsa
This grilled chicken features tender, seasoned chicken breasts paired with a vibrant sweet potato salsa that combines roasted sweet potatoes with fresh pineapple, black beans, onions, and cilantro. The honey-kissed salsa adds natural sweetness and tropical flavor that complements the savory chicken perfectly. It's an ideal weeknight dinner that brings together protein, vegetables, and bold flavors in one satisfying meal. The roasted sweet potatoes add heartiness while the fresh ingredients keep it light and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh pineapple
- ¼ cup black beans, cleaned and drained
- ¼ cup white onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 500°F
- 2
Sprinkle garlic salt on chicken
- 3
Heat grill pan over medium heat and spray with cooking spray
- 4
Cook chicken on both sides until cooked through
- 5
Toss sweet potato cubes on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil
- 6
Roast sweet potatoes, turning every 4-5 minutes until tender
- 7
Combine pineapple, black beans, onions, cilantro and honey in large bowl
- 8
Stir in hot roasted sweet potatoes
- 9
Serve chicken topped with salsa
Tips
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and ensure tender meat
Make the salsa ahead of time and add warm sweet potatoes just before serving for best texture
Check sweet potato doneness with a fork - they should be tender but not mushy
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in separate containers
Salsa can be made 1 day ahead without sweet potatoes, add them warm before serving
Serve immediately while chicken is hot and sweet potatoes are warm
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook chicken to avoid dryness
Don't let sweet potatoes get mushy by overcooking
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, but drain well and use pineapple chunks in juice rather than syrup to avoid excess sweetness.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature reaches 165°F, or cut into thickest part to ensure no pink remains.
Can I make this with frozen sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes work best for roasting. Frozen may become too soft and watery when roasted.