A Dish That Feels Like Home
Some meals are more than just food—they bring comfort, warmth, and a sense of home with every bite. For me, this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those meals. It reminds me of the evenings when my mother would prepare dinner in a single pan, filling the house with the scent of sizzling chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, and fragrant herbs. She believed in simple, wholesome ingredients that didn’t need much fuss, and this dish embodies that philosophy perfectly.
Now, as life gets busier and schedules get more hectic, I find myself returning to those same kinds of meals—ones that are quick, nutritious, and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a single skillet, this recipe delivers a hearty, well-balanced meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
It’s a dish that satisfies every craving: tender, seasoned chicken, sweet and slightly crispy potatoes, and savory aromatics that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking for something satisfying after a long day, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. A One-Pan Meal for Easy Cleanup
Who wants to deal with a sink full of dishes after cooking? This recipe is made in just one skillet, keeping cleanup to a minimum. Less time scrubbing, more time enjoying.
2. Packed with Nutrition and Flavor
- Chicken provides a great source of lean protein, keeping you full and energized.
- Sweet potatoes offer fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Aromatic garlic, onion, and fresh herbs enhance the flavors without adding unnecessary calories.
3. Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it an excellent choice for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Highly Customizable
This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can swap ingredients based on what you have in your fridge, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and even turn it into a meal prep staple by making extra servings for the week.
5. Comfort Food Without the Guilt
While many comfort meals can feel heavy, this skillet dish is light yet satisfying, proving that you don’t need creamy sauces or fried ingredients to make something truly comforting.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet Potato Skillet:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish)
How to Make It (Directions)
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and coat with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Sear to Perfection: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the remaining olive oil, toss in the diced sweet potatoes, and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize.
- Bring in the Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer and Finish: Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary, cover, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with lemon juice if desired and garnish with extra herbs before serving hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 12g (Saturated: 2g)
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Use a Cast-Iron Skillet for Best Results
A cast-iron skillet distributes heat evenly, giving the chicken a golden sear while allowing the sweet potatoes to caramelize beautifully. If you don’t have one, a large nonstick skillet will work too!
Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly
To ensure even cooking, dice the sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes. This prevents some from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Overcrowding the skillet traps steam and prevents proper caramelization. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure each piece gets a proper sear.
Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside and prevents the meat from drying out.
Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste
This dish has a great base flavor, but feel free to get creative! Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth, a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a deeper, earthy flavor, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes! While chicken thighs stay juicier, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster.
2. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist.
3. Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! This meal is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
4. Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe works well with:
- Bell peppers for extra sweetness and crunch
- Spinach or kale for added greens
- Mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor
5. Can I Freeze This Dish?
While the chicken freezes well, sweet potatoes can become mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, try undercooking the potatoes slightly so they maintain their texture when reheated.
6. What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This skillet meal is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round it out, try serving it with:
- A simple green salad
- Brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber
- A side of roasted vegetables for added color and texture
7. How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, add extra chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to give it a kick.
Why This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Should Be in Your Weekly Rotation
There are some meals you make once and forget, and then there are the ones you keep coming back to—this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet belongs in the second category.
- It’s healthy yet comforting, delivering the best of both worlds.
- It’s quick and easy, perfect for those nights when you don’t have time to spend in the kitchen.
- It’s family-friendly, with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
- It’s budget-friendly, using simple, affordable ingredients.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s proof that simple ingredients, cooked with care, can create something truly delicious.
So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this one-pan wonder a try. It just might become your new favorite go-to meal!
Happy cooking!
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Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet: A One-Pan Meal with Big Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal—savory, hearty, and full of comforting flavors. With seasoned chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, and fragrant aromatics, this dish is easy to prepare, packed with nutrition, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet Potato Skillet:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and coat with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Sear to Perfection: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the remaining olive oil, toss in the diced sweet potatoes, and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize.
- Bring in the Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer and Finish: Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary, cover, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with lemon juice if desired and garnish with extra herbs before serving hot.
Notes
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet for Best Results: It distributes heat evenly for a perfect sear and caramelization.
- Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly: Ensures even cooking and prevents some from overcooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures better browning and flavor.
- Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving: This keeps it juicy and tender.
- Customize with Additional Vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American