After a long day at work, all I wanted was a meal that felt both comforting and nourishing without the extra fuss. That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe for Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and Avocado Salsa—a delightful combination that quickly became a weeknight favorite in my kitchen. Picture the juicy, tender chicken infused with aromatic herbs, paired perfectly with crispy sweet potato fries that provide the ultimate crunch. And let’s not forget the vibrant avocado salsa, which adds a burst of freshness and creamy texture.
This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition, making it suitable for health-conscious eaters looking to spice things up. From casual family dinners to entertaining guests, this meal delivers every time, proving that wholesome can be delicious and satisfying. Ready to elevate your weeknight cooking? Let’s dive into the details!
Why is Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries irresistible?
Juicy Chicken: The grilled chicken tenders are not only succulent but also infused with a medley of aromatic herbs, elevating your meal beyond the ordinary.
Crispy Sweet Potatoes: Each fry offers a delightful crunch, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and adding fiber to your dish.
Vibrant Salsa: The fresh avocado salsa brings a zest that brightens every bite, making it a feast for the eyes and palate.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, allowing you to whip up a healthy meal in less than an hour!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a dish sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Explore even more incredible recipes and tips in our hearty chicken collection!
Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Tenders – Boneless and skinless for the most tender bite.
• Olive Oil – Used for marinating; avocado oil works as a substitute if desired.
• Fresh Herbs (e.g., parsley, cilantro) – Boosts flavor and freshness; dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
• Lime Juice – Adds a zesty brightness; lemon juice can substitute in case of need.
• Spices (garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper) – Season your chicken to taste for a flavor-packed experience.
For the Sweet Potato Fries
• Sweet Potatoes – Packed with vitamins and fiber; frozen sweet potato fries are a quick alternative.
For the Avocado Salsa
• Avocado – Provides creaminess and healthy fats; mango can be a tasty alternative if you’re craving a change.
• Lime Juice – A splash adds tang; essential for bringing freshness to the salsa.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors; season to taste.
• Cilantro – Adds a fresh herbaceous note; jalapeños can spice things up if desired.
How to Make Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries
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Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, fresh herbs, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing those delicious flavors to meld.
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Prepare Sweet Potato Fries: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into fry shapes. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet for even roasting.
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Cook Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F—this ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken!
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Bake Sweet Potatoes: While chicken is grilling, bake the sweet potato fries in the oven at 425°F for approximately 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for that crispiness you desire.
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Make Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, dice the avocado and combine it with lime juice, a sprinkle of salt, cilantro, and, if you like some heat, diced jalapeños. This salsa will bring a fresh twist to your dish!
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Serve: Plate the grilled chicken alongside the crispy sweet potato fries, and don’t forget to top everything with that vibrant avocado salsa. Enjoy the colorful presentation as much as the flavors!
Optional: Garnish with extra lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Grilled Herb Chicken
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Marinate Time Matters: Let your chicken marinate for several hours or even overnight to deepen flavor and juiciness.
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Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F; this prevents dryness and ensures safety.
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Crispier Fries: For ultimate crispiness, make sure fries are spread evenly on the baking sheet and don’t overcrowd them.
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Herb Alternatives: If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried herbs can work—but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
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Avocado Salsa Tips: Prepare the salsa just before serving to keep the avocado fresh and vibrant; consider adding lime zest for extra flavor.
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Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spices based on your preferences; try adding cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a depth of flavor in your Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and Avocado Salsa.
What to Serve with Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries?
After enjoying this wholesome, flavorful dish, you might be curious about what complements it perfectly for a complete meal.
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Crispy Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw will add refreshing contrast and a bit of zest to the savory chicken and sweet potatoes.
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Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery side is perfect for sopping up the delicious juices from the chicken, creating an indulgent experience.
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Grilled Vegetables: Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add a smoky flavor and vibrant color that pair wonderfully with the herbaceous chicken.
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Quinoa Salad: A light, protein-packed salad tossed with fresh herbs and lemon provides additional texture and a refreshing balance to the meal.
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Iced Herbal Tea: For a delightful drink option, serve a cold herbal tea infused with mint or citrus to cleanse the palate between bites.
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Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Wrap up your meal with a rich, creamy chocolate mousse made from avocado, echoing the flavors of the avocado salsa while providing a sweet finish.
Grilled Herb Chicken Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor this delicious meal to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Vegetarian Substitute: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas marinated in the same savory herbs for a protein-packed vegetarian delight.
Tofu crisps beautifully on the grill, absorbing all those flavorful marinades. You won’t miss the meat! -
Herb Swap: Experiment with different fresh herbs, like basil or dill, for a unique twist in flavor.
Each herb imparts its distinct character, allowing for a delicious variation every time you cook! -
Sweet Potato Alternatives: Use regular potatoes or even zucchini for a lighter variation of fries.
Zucchini fries can provide a tender bite with a satisfying crunch, perfect for a fresh take! -
Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to your chicken marinade for a delightful kick.
The heat beautifully complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the creaminess of the salsa! -
Citrus Boost: Try using orange or grapefruit juice instead of lime for the marinade and salsa for a refreshing citrus twist.
This adds an unexpected sweetness that brightens the overall dish in a delightful way. -
Savory Cheese Addition: Crumbled feta or goat cheese sprinkled over the salsa gives a creamy and tangy contrast.
The richness brings a new depth while still allowing the avocado to shine. -
Nutty Flavor: Stir in toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts into the avocado salsa for extra crunch and flavor.
The delightful texture of nuts adds a satisfying bite while enhancing the nutritional profile of your salsa. -
Baked Fries Option: For a healthier version, air-fry the sweet potato fries instead of baking them, resulting in a crispy delight with less oil.
This method keeps them light and crispy, making them the perfect side with all the flavor you crave!
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and Avocado Salsa are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen (just remember to refrigerate). The sweet potato fries can be sliced and tossed in olive oil, seasoned, and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the marinated chicken and bake the prepared sweet potatoes as instructed. Finish with the avocado salsa, made fresh for a burst of creaminess. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious, healthy meal without the post-work stress!
Storage Tips for Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries
Fridge: Store leftover grilled herb chicken and sweet potato fries in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh while preventing any spoilage.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze grilled chicken and sweet potato fries in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. Wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Sweet potato fries can be reheated in the oven at 400°F for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Avocado Salsa: Keep avocado salsa separate in the fridge and consume within 1-2 days for the best taste, as avocados can brown quickly. Add lime juice before serving to maintain freshness.
Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and Avocado Salsa Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe avocados for the salsa?
Absolutely! When selecting avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure; they should feel just a little soft. Avoid any avocados with dark spots all over, as those might be overripe. If you’re planning to use them later, you can choose firmer avocados that will ripen on your countertop in a few days.
What’s the best way to store leftover grilled herb chicken and sweet potato fries?
Very! Store any leftover grilled herb chicken and sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This keeps everything fresh. To reheat, I recommend placing the fries on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I freeze the grilled chicken and sweet potato fries?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled chicken and sweet potato fries in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. Make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat until warmed through.
What can I do if my sweet potato fries are soggy after baking?
No worries! If your sweet potato fries come out soggy, try baking them longer at a higher temperature. Increase the oven to 450°F and extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Be sure they’re spread out evenly on the baking sheet—this promotes even crispiness!
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Very! This Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries and Avocado Salsa can accommodate various dietary needs. If you’re cooking for vegetarians, simply substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas. As for allergies, check your spices and ensure you’re using a safe brand; for avocado allergies, try a fruity salsa with diced mango instead!
Grilled Herb Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries & Avocado Salsa Bliss
Equipment
- - Grill
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro) or dried herbs in a pinch
- 2 tbsp Lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
For the Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 large Sweet potatoes or frozen sweet potato fries
For the Avocado Salsa
- 1 large Avocado or mango
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 cup Cilantro or jalapeños for spice
Instructions
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, fresh herbs, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into fry shapes. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet for even roasting.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken is grilling, bake the sweet potato fries in the oven at 425°F for approximately 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for crispiness.
- In a bowl, dice the avocado and combine it with lime juice, a sprinkle of salt, cilantro, and diced jalapeños if desired.
- Plate the grilled chicken alongside the crispy sweet potato fries, and top with the vibrant avocado salsa.