Name: Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes, washed and cut in half lengthwise; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Sprinkle of salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon onion powder); 1 lb. ground chicken; 1 heaping tablespoon taco seasoning (about half a packet, mild); 1/2 cup salsa (preferably casera salsa roja); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste); 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup mayo; 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder; 1 clove garlic, grated; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (taste and adjust); 2-3 tablespoons water; Avocado, cut into chunks; Cilantro, chopped; Pickled onions; Something crunchy, like Mexican chili crisp or crushed pistachios

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes, washed and cut in half lengthwise

2 tablespoons olive oil

Sprinkle of salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)

1 lb. ground chicken

1 heaping tablespoon taco seasoning (about half a packet, mild)

1/2 cup salsa (such as casera salsa roja)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup mayo

1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder

1 clove garlic, grated

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (taste and adjust)

2-3 tablespoons water

Avocado, cut into chunks

Cilantro, chopped

Pickled onions

Crunchy topping like Mexican chili crisp or crushed pistachios

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush or drizzle olive oil over all sides of the sweet potatoes and place them cut-side down on a sheet pan. Sprinkle the top side lightly with salt.

Step 2: Roast the sweet potatoes for 20 minutes. Gently lift one with a spatula to check doneness, ensuring the caramelized surface remains intact. Continue roasting for an additional 10–15 minutes until fully cooked and the bottom is caramelized.

Step 3: While the potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant. If using onion powder, add later with the seasoning.

Step 4: Add ground chicken and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.

Step 5: Stir in salsa and kosher salt. Sauté for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors, then cover to keep warm.

Step 6: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, chipotle powder, grated garlic, kosher salt, and 2–3 tablespoons water until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Prepare toppings by cutting avocado into chunks, chopping cilantro, and readying pickled onions and crunchy elements.

Step 8: To assemble, stack the roasted sweet potato halves, drizzle with chipotle sauce, add a layer of chicken, then top with avocado, cilantro, pickled onions, and a crunchy garnish. Add extra sauce on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked paprika in the sauce for a deeper smoky flavor if you don’t have chipotle powder.

Swap ground chicken for turkey or beef based on preference.

For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with spiced black beans or sautéed mushrooms.

Make extra chipotle sauce to use as a dip or drizzle on other dishes.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, regular potatoes work, but roasting times may vary slightly. Sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that complements the spicy sauce well.

How spicy is the chipotle sauce?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chipotle powder. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or substitute with smoked paprika for less heat.