Description
This Chicken Pesto Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe is a wholesome, paleo and Whole30-friendly dish featuring tender baked sweet potatoes filled with a vibrant homemade walnut basil pesto mixed with shredded chicken. It’s a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Pesto Ingredients
- 1 cup raw shelled walnuts
- 4-5 cloves garlic
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale, or other leafy greens)
- 2/3 cup light olive oil
- 1 1/2-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
- 3/4 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (or about 1 lb uncooked)
- 6 medium sweet potatoes
- Coconut oil (for coating potatoes)
- Sea salt (for sprinkling on potatoes)
Instructions
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat each sweet potato with coconut oil and sprinkle all over with sea salt. Place the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 60-70 minutes until the potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Pesto: While the potatoes bake, combine the walnuts, garlic, basil leaves, spinach, olive oil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and sea salt in a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until the mixture forms a smooth paste, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure even blending.
- Mix Chicken with Pesto: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with all of the prepared pesto. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the pesto flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: Once the sweet potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, slice each potato lengthwise. Generously top each sweet potato with the chicken pesto mixture. You can serve immediately or optionally return the assembled potatoes to the oven for a few minutes to warm through before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or other leafy greens for spinach in the pesto according to your preference.
- If using raw chicken, cook it fully before shredding for the recipe.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and is optional if you don’t have it on hand.
- For additional flavor, garnish with extra fresh basil or chopped walnuts before serving.
- This recipe is paleo and Whole30 compliant, making it suitable for those dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
