A Delicious and Nutritious One-Pan Meal
The One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a perfect choice for a healthy, flavorful, and easy meal. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with sweet potatoes and a medley of seasonings, creating a satisfying and balanced meal. Best of all, it requires minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in a single pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Cleanup – One-pan meals mean less mess in the kitchen.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Flavorful and Satisfying – A perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- Quick to Prepare – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 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 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice the sweet potatoes.
- Chop the onion, red bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer Everything Together
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir to coat everything, and cover with a lid.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the Chicken Back
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish and Serve
- Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Variations
- Add More Greens – Toss in spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Swap the Protein – Use turkey, shrimp, or tofu as an alternative to chicken.
- Spice It Up – Add chili powder or cayenne for extra heat.
- Cheesy Touch – Sprinkle with feta or parmesan before serving for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
Sweet potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy. If they break apart easily when pierced with a fork, they’re ready.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook than bite-sized pieces.
What can I serve with this dish?
This meal is complete on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this in an oven instead of a skillet?
Yes! Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the veggies and marinate the chicken in the seasoning up to 24 hours in advance.
What other seasonings work well in this recipe?
Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for different flavor profiles.
Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, white potatoes work, but they may require slightly longer cooking times.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Sweet potatoes are higher in carbs, so for a keto version, substitute with cauliflower or zucchini.
What’s the best skillet to use for this recipe?
A cast iron skillet works great for even heat distribution and excellent searing.
Can I add beans for extra protein?
Yes, black beans or chickpeas would be a great addition for added fiber and protein.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a fantastic option for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. With its easy preparation and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy a flavorful, nutritious dinner that the whole family will love.
One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A healthy and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and savory seasonings. This easy skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, packed with protein and nutrients, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 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 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice the sweet potatoes.
- Chop the onion, red bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned, then remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Simmer Everything Together
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and cover with a lid.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Add the Chicken Back
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors together.
6. Finish and Serve
- Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add More Greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Swap the Protein: Try turkey, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Spice It Up: Add chili powder or cayenne for extra heat.
- Cheesy Touch: Sprinkle with feta or parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meals
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one-pan chicken skillet, healthy chicken dinner, sweet potato skillet recipe, easy chicken and sweet potato meal, gluten-free one-pan dinner
