If you’re searching for a truly satisfying, wholesome, and downright delicious dinner, look no further than this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet. Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this meal brings together tender chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, and a medley of veggies all coated in aromatic spices. Best of all, everything comes together in a single skillet for easy cleanup, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners alike.

One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each component shines. Every ingredient serves a purpose, whether it’s adding sweetness, a pop of color, or a warm, smoky note. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet sing.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces offer juicy, succulent bites that cook up quickly and easily.
Olive oil: A healthy fat that creates a golden sear and deepens the dish’s flavor.
Sweet potatoes: These beauties caramelize and soften, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Red bell pepper: Adds a slight crunch and brilliant brightness to every forkful.
Red onion: Lends a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the potatoes and pepper.
Garlic: Two cloves infuse the skillet with savory depth and aroma.
Smoked paprika: Delivers that signature earthy warmth and a faintly smoky twist.
Ground cumin: Just half a teaspoon gives a hint of spice and warmth that rounds out the dish.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together and enhancing savoriness.
Black pepper: Adds a little zing and helps other spices pop.
Chili flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick – go as light or bold as you like here.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: A sprinkle at the end wakes up the whole skillet with a fresh, herbal lift.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken pieces and immediately season them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Let the chicken cook, undisturbed for the first couple of minutes, to get that golden crust. Then stir occasionally, cooking for about 6 to 8 minutes total, until the chicken is fully cooked through and beautifully browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside—it’s going to join the party again soon.

Step 2: Soften the Sweet Potatoes

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet (no need to wash it out—the leftover spice bits will deepen the flavor!). Toss in your diced sweet potatoes and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then. You want them to start softening and picking up some caramelization. Don’t rush this step; it’s the foundation of your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet’s cozy, satisfying flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

When the sweet potatoes are just about fork-tender, toss in the chopped red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the veggies to soften while picking up just a touch of color—this gives your skillet gorgeous depth and a slightly sweet, roasted character.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies and sweet potatoes. Stir it all together to combine, and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through and allow those flavors to mingle. Give it a quick taste and fine-tune the seasoning to your liking—maybe an extra pinch of salt or a dash more smoked paprika if you love bold flavors!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet with a flourish of fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve it straight from the skillet or plate it up for an inviting, rustic meal. Every bite should give you a harmony of sweet, savory, and gently smoky.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

A scattering of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro not only makes this dish look vibrant, but it adds a refreshing lift to each bite. A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top can offer a cool contrast to the rich, warmly spiced flavors for your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs well with a light, crisp green salad or a bowl of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up any extra juices. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a side of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of flavor!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet family-style for a cozy supper, or portion it into meal prep containers for vibrant lunches. For company, spoon it over a bed of leafy greens or top with avocado slices, letting everyone customize with their favorite garnishes and sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply let your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or quick, satisfying lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for longer storage, too! Just portion the cooled One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will taste best if eaten within 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a smoother, faster reheating process.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep everything evenly hot. If things look a bit dry, splash in a little broth or water to refresh the skillet.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and rich flavor to your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet. They work perfectly here, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or extra sweet potatoes and load up on more veggies. You’ll still get hearty, comforting results, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy this skillet as a meatless meal.

What other veggies can I add?

You have plenty of options! Try zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes—they’ll blend in seamlessly and add even more color and nutrients to your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet.

Is this skillet gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double check that your smoked paprika and other spices don’t include any hidden gluten if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

How can I speed up the sweet potato cooking time?

For a quick shortcut, microwave your sweet potato cubes for 3 to 4 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This softens them up and cuts down on the stovetop cooking time without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is the kind of feel-good dinner that checks all the boxes: easy, nutritious, and so full of flavor it’ll win over everyone at the table. I hope you give it a try soon and make it a staple in your weeknight rotation!

One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare on busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables are seasoned and cooked together in one skillet for a flavorful dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 small red onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften. Add the red bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for 1–2 more minutes to reheat and blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

For a shortcut, microwave sweet potatoes for 3–4 minutes before adding to the skillet to reduce cooking time.
This dish pairs well with a squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American