If you’re craving a meal that hits all the right notes—vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying textures—you’ve got to try this Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe. It’s a complete experience where tender, juicy chicken tenders pair flawlessly with crispy, smoky sweet potato fries, while the fresh avocado salsa adds a cool, zesty punch to every bite. This recipe balances wholesome ingredients and easy prep, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat that will impress your family and friends effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together simply but each one plays an essential part in building a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the sweet earthiness of the potatoes to the creamy brightness of the avocado salsa, every component adds a delicious layer.
- Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless): Sliced into tenders for quick, even grilling and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Brings moisture and helps carry the spices through the chicken and fries beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1½ tsp): Provides subtle savory depth both in the chicken marinade and fries seasoning.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds a mild, sweet note to the chicken tenders that enhances overall taste.
- Paprika (2 tsp): Gives a smoky warmth to both fries and chicken, creating addictive flavor.
- Dried oregano (½ tsp): Infuses the chicken with a Mediterranean herbaceous hint.
- Salt & black pepper (each ½ tsp, plus to taste): Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Adds a fragrant, fresh crescendo to the chicken marinade.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brings bright acidity that balances the rich flavors.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium): Cut into fries for a naturally sweet, crisp side that contrasts the savory chicken.
- Avocado (1, diced): Creamy and cooling, it’s the star ingredient of the vibrant salsa.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their juicy pop adds freshness and color to the salsa.
- Red onion (¼, finely chopped): Offers sharpness and crunch to the salsa mix.
- Fresh cilantro (1 tbsp, chopped): Brings herbal brightness that livens the avocado salsa.
- Lime juice (1 tbsp): Adds zing and enhances all the fresh salsa flavors.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (¼ cup): Mixed to create a cooling dipping sauce with garlic and dill accents.
- Dried dill (½ tsp): Provides a subtle herbal touch to the creamy sauce.
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). Toss your sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to evenly coat them with flavor. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they crisp up nicely. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through so they get golden and irresistibly crispy on every side.
Step 2: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
While the fries bake, mix olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade. Coat your chicken tenders in this mixture and let them soak up those enticing spices for 10 minutes. Then, grill them over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until they’re cooked through and beautifully golden brown — juicy and full of herb-seasoned goodness.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa
In a bowl, gently toss together diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This salsa is bright and creamy, with a perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that complement the chicken and fries flawlessly.
Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
Mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with garlic powder, dried dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill it until serving—it’s a cooling, herby sauce that pairs beautifully with both the spiced chicken and the crispy fries for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Plate your grilled chicken tenders alongside the perfectly crisp sweet potato fries, and top or surround with the fresh avocado salsa. Serve the creamy dipping sauce on the side to let everyone customize their perfect bite. The combination is bright, hearty, and endlessly delicious.
How to Serve Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or cilantro over the chicken and salsa for a pop of green and freshness. A wedge or two of lime on the side adds a zesty squeeze that guests can add at their leisure, enhancing the brightness and bringing all the flavors together.
Side Dishes
Although the sweet potato fries and avocado salsa create a complete plate, pairing this with a simple leafy green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment. Alternatively, serve with steamed green beans or a crunchy coleslaw for a crisp contrast that balances the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual, fun twist, serve this Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe as a platter for family-style dining, letting everyone dig in together. You can also arrange the components in a bowl for a trendy grain bowl option, adding cooked quinoa or brown rice to turn it into a hearty lunch or dinner bowl packed with colors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken, fries, salsa, and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate prevents sogginess and maintains their individual flavors and textures.
Freezing
While the chicken tenders can be frozen cooked or raw for up to 3 months, sweet potato fries and avocado salsa don’t freeze well due to texture changes. For best results, prepare fresh fries and salsa when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat chicken tenders gently in a skillet or the oven to keep them juicy. Warm the sweet potato fries on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain their crispness. Serve fresh avocado salsa cold, as reheating will alter its creamy texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potato fries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen sweet potato fries can be a convenient shortcut. Just adjust the oven time according to the package instructions, and you can skip the seasoning toss if they are pre-seasoned. Fresh fries usually give a better homemade taste and texture, but frozen works well too.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, especially the grilled chicken and sweet potato fries can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just assemble the avocado salsa fresh before eating to keep that vibrant flavor and texture intact.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely. This recipe adapts well with grilled shrimp, turkey tenders, or even firm tofu if you want a vegetarian alternative. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep the same flavorful marinade for a delicious twist.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for the dipping sauce?
If you prefer, sour cream works wonderfully as a creamy base. You could also try a dairy-free yogurt alternative or even a light mayonnaise mixed with lemon, garlic, and dill for a similar flavor profile.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it milder?
This recipe is quite mild and focuses more on smoky and fresh flavors. If you want to add some heat, consider sprinkling chili powder or cayenne into the chicken marinade or sweet potato fries. To make it milder, simply reduce the paprika or avoid adding any hot spice.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients brought together in a way that’s bursting with fresh, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or impressing friends with a colorful plate, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals. Give it a try and enjoy every joyful bite!
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: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This vibrant and healthy Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa recipe combines tender, flavorful grilled chicken tenders with crispy baked sweet potato fries and a refreshing avocado salsa. Paired with a creamy garlic dill dipping sauce, it’s perfect for a well-rounded, colorful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Chicken
- 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 the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- Marinate & Grill the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Coat the sliced chicken tenders thoroughly in this marinade and let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and cook the chicken tenders for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and nicely golden brown.
- Make the Avocado Salsa: In a separate bowl, gently mix the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Be careful when mixing to keep the avocado intact and create a fresh, vibrant salsa.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), garlic powder, dried dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill the sauce until ready to serve to enhance the flavors and keep it cool.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the grilled chicken tenders alongside the crispy sweet potato fries and a generous scoop of avocado salsa. Serve with the chilled garlic dill dipping sauce on the side for dipping and added flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking and pat them dry.
- You can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream based on your preference for the dipping sauce.
- Adjust seasoning in the avocado salsa and dipping sauce to suit your taste.
- To cook indoors without a grill, use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be used in salads or wraps the next day.
