If you’re craving something cozy, vibrant, and packed with goodness, this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. Succulent chicken pieces mingle with sweet potatoes, bright peppers, and fragrant spices in one pan, coming together in a symphony of flavors and color. Even better, you get all the comforts of a hearty meal, with easy prep and minimal clean-up. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this skillet is a deliciously satisfying, healthy option you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients, each bringing something wonderful to the table. From the sweet, creamy potatoes to the smoky paprika, every component has a delicious role to play.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 ½ pounds): Bite-sized pieces cook up tender and juicy, soaking in all those lovely spices.
- Sweet Potatoes (2 medium): Their natural sweetness and earthy flavor balance the dish, while adding beautiful color.
- Red Onion (1 small): Adds a mild zing and a pop of color that melds perfectly with the other vegetables.
- Red Bell Pepper (1): Brings crunch, sweetness, and another splash of vibrant color to the skillet.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps sauté everything to golden perfection and reinforces those lovely Mediterranean notes.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced fresh garlic delivers loads of aromatic flavor you don’t want to skip.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides the signature smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Ground Cumin (½ teaspoon): For a warm, earthy note that pairs especially well with the sweet potatoes.
- Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): This herbal touch brightens the skillet and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential for making all those other ingredients sing, so don’t be shy.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): If you want to jazz things up, a sprinkle of this at the end makes it extra fresh and pretty.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika, then let them sizzle. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden, juicy, and cooked through. Once done, scoop it out and set aside—you’ll bring it back soon!
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it—that’s flavor!), add the second tablespoon of olive oil. Tumble in the diced sweet potatoes and let them cook for 8–10 minutes, giving the pan a good stir now and then. They should start to soften but still stick together in hearty chunks.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables & Spices
Now, toss in the chopped red onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, cumin, thyme, and the rest of your smoked paprika. Stir the mixture well and continue to cook for another 5–6 minutes. The onion gets sweet, the bell pepper turns tender, and those aromatics make your kitchen smell irresistible. Everything should look vibrant and just about fork-tender.
Step 4: Bring the Chicken Back
Return the cooked chicken (and any savory juices on the plate) to your skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the chicken in the veggie and spice mixture. Let it all cook as one happy family for 2–3 more minutes, just until everything’s heated through and perfectly mingled.
Step 5: Finish & Garnish
For the finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top. If you’re feeling extra zesty, squeeze on a bit of fresh lime juice—this brightens up the dish and ties all those flavors together. Serve your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet warm and gather everyone around.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley over each serving is classic, adding a hit of color and herbal brightness. For a citrusy twist, a wedge of lime or lemon on the side lets each person add their own splash of tang.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet often needs nothing more than a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli. If you’re feeling hungry, serve it with fluffy rice, quinoa, or warm crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the skillet mixture into hollowed-out roasted sweet potato halves for a fun, edible bowl. Or, plate it family-style in a big serving dish sprinkled with extra herbs—let everyone dig in for that casual, communal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, allow your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent meal prep candidate.
Freezing
This skillet freezes beautifully! Ladle individual portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results; the flavors meld even more after some time in the freezer.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it needs moistening. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through—just be careful not to overcook the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer even more flavor and stay wonderfully juicy. Simply swap them in, adjust cooking times as needed, and savor the extra richness they bring to your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet.
What other vegetables can I add?
This recipe is quite flexible. Try tossing in spinach or kale for greens at the end, or zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to bulk up the veggie content. Adjust cooking times so everything turns out tender but not mushy.
Is this dish spicy?
Nope! The heat here is subtle and mostly comes from the smoked paprika, which is more about smokiness than spice. If you want some extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño works wonders.
Can I make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or use chunks of firm tofu. Just adjust the sauté time so your protein stays satisfying and absorbs those tasty seasonings.
How can I meal prep this skillet?
Chop all your veggies and chicken in advance, and even pre-mix your spices. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and cook everything in about 30 minutes when you’re ready. This way, your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is always fresh yet super-fast.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet! It delivers incredible flavor, satisfaction, and so much color with barely any fuss. Whether for a quick family dinner or a cozy solo lunch, it’s a guaranteed winner in my kitchen and hopefully for you, too!
Print
One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that is both healthy and flavorful. Tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables come together in a skillet for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Vegetables:
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika, and cook for about 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the sweet potatoes. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, thyme, and the rest of the paprika. Continue cooking for another 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top before serving.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs or add spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
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