This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome meal that’s easy to make and clean up! Juicy chicken, sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies all come together in one dish.
It’s a cozy dinner that makes you feel good, plus it only requires one pan—who doesn’t love less washing up, right? I make it on busy nights because it’s quick and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for chicken breast, which is lean and cooks quickly. If you want a juicier option, chicken thighs work wonderfully too! You can also use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, regular potatoes or butternut squash can substitute, though the cooking time may vary. I like using orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for their flavor.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for sautéing, but you can replace it with avocado oil or butter. Each has a different flavor profile—try butter for a rich taste!
Spices & Herbs: The spices really enhance the flavors! If you’re out of paprika or thyme, consider using chili powder or Italian seasoning. I often add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
How Do You Cook Sweet Potatoes to Get Them Extra Flavorful?
Cooking sweet potatoes just right adds a delicious caramelized flavor. Start by peeling and dicing them into even pieces, so they cook uniformly. Here’s how to get them perfectly tender and tasty:
- Heat the olive oil in the skillet until warm—not smoking.
- Add the sweet potatoes, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and half the paprika, then stir well.
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and starting to brown.
Keeping an eye on them is key; this ensures they don’t burn. Cooking them on medium heat allows them to caramelize beautifully without getting too soft!
One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty one-pan meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’ll spend around 30 minutes to have a delicious and comforting dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start Cooking the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced sweet potatoes. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sweet potatoes to be tender and starting to caramelize, which means they’ll be slightly golden on the outside!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, take the chicken pieces and season them with the remaining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with all the spices—this adds so much flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Once the sweet potatoes are nice and tender, push them to one side of the skillet. On the other side, add the seasoned chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning it occasionally. You want it to be golden brown and cooked through—this means no longer pink in the center!
4. Combine and Heat Through:
After the chicken is cooked, stir it together with the sweet potatoes so that all the flavors mix well. Let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. This step is essential to really blend those delicious flavors!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, if you want a lovely touch, garnish your dish with some fresh rosemary or thyme. Serve warm and enjoy your easy and delightful one-pan chicken and sweet potato meal!
Can I Substitute Sweet Potatoes with Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, you can use regular potatoes, but they may take a bit longer to cook. Other great substitutes include carrots, butternut squash, or even zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re tender!
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you’d prefer a different oil, feel free to use canola oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they will all work well for cooking the chicken and sweet potatoes!
Can I Make This Recipe with Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Pat dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
