If you’re craving a dish that combines hearty comfort with vibrant, fresh flavors, you’ve just found your new go-to. This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe delivers tender chicken, sweet and savory sweet potatoes, and a medley of spices all cooked together in one simple skillet. It’s a perfect balance of easy preparation, nutritious ingredients, and incredible taste that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just in the mood for a fuss-free meal packed with flavor, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this dish straightforward is what makes it so special. Each ingredient plays an essential role, bringing texture, flavor, or color to the skillet — making the end result both delicious and visually inviting.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced, they add natural sweetness and a satisfying tenderness.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a smooth richness.
- Onion: Chopped finely to melt into the dish and give a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced cloves deliver aromatic depth and warmth.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that makes the chicken pop.
- Ground cumin: Offers earthiness and a gentle hint of spice.
- Dried oregano: Brings a fragrant herbal note that ties all ingredients together.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps the sweet potatoes cook to tender perfection.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juiciness and color contrast.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Fresh spinach: Adds leafy greens that wilt beautifully into the skillet.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for brightness and freshness.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the onions and garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This step releases their sweet, fragrant flavors and sets the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper right away. Let the chicken cook for 4 to 5 minutes so it turns golden on the outside, locking in juices and flavor before moving on.
Step 3: Simmer the sweet potatoes
Now stir in your diced sweet potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Cover your skillet with a lid and allow everything to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. This lets the sweet potatoes become tender while the chicken continues to cook, with occasional stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes
Time to add the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the tomatoes soften gently and infuse their mild sweetness into the skillet.
Step 5: Wilt in the spinach
Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and stir it through the skillet. It will wilt quickly in about 1 to 2 minutes, adding a nutritious pop of green and a subtle freshness that balances the warm spices.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. This final touch not only makes the dish look inviting but adds a lovely herbal brightness. Serve it warm and watch everyone enjoy the comforting harmony of flavors.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe, aside from parsley, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. These additions introduce a zesty tang or creamy bite that can brighten up the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This skillet packs a punch on its own, but you can serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up any extra juices. Light roasted vegetables or quinoa also complement the meal beautifully and keep it well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating the skillet contents over a bed of fluffy couscous or polenta to add a texture contrast. You can also serve it in individual small skillets or cast iron pans for a rustic, homestyle feel that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep the dish longer, freeze it in a proper freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember that the texture of the spinach might change slightly, so consider adding fresh spinach when reheating if you prefer.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs would add extra juiciness and rich flavor to the skillet. Just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it okay to use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes will work just fine. They have a different flavor and texture, so the dish will be a bit heartier and less sweet, but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add a plant-based protein such as chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I substitute for fresh spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach, kale or Swiss chard would be excellent alternatives. Just add them a little earlier to allow them to soften properly.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños or a spicy hot sauce for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and still tastes like a feast — and that’s exactly what you get with the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. I encourage you to give it a try soon; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Print
One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts and sweet potatoes simmered with aromatic spices, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes. This easy skillet recipe is perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Simmer: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat slightly, and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Heat Through: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook uncovered for another 2 minutes to let the tomatoes soften and flavors meld.
- Wilt Spinach and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the dish warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the recipe dairy-free and friendly for some dietary preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
