Discover the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe that combines juicy chicken, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies all cooked together in a single skillet for a fuss-free, delicious meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers warmth, hearty flavors, and colorful presentation without any complicated steps. This dish is not only simple to prepare but packs a delightful balance of smoky spices and fresh herbs that will have you coming back for seconds in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe a crowd-pleaser. Each component plays a crucial role in enhancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal, making the dish both satisfying and wholesome.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 pounds): Bite-sized pieces ensure quick cooking and tender bites throughout.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on both chicken and vegetables.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced): These bring a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color, plus a comforting texture.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds a burst of color and a subtle sweetness to the mix.
- Red onion (1 small, chopped): Offers a mild sharpness that mellows and caramelizes during cooking.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Imparts that unmistakable aromatic depth essential to any skillet dish.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a smoky warmth that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy note to complement the spices and vegetables.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle peppery bite without overpowering the dish.
- Chili flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick of heat, tailor it to your spice preference.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a bright, fresh finish that lifts the entire skillet to another level.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Toss in the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir occasionally as you cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is gloriously golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm. This step builds a flavorful base for your meal thanks to that beautiful sear and the aromatic spices.
Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables
In the very same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to make sure nothing sticks. Place in the diced sweet potatoes, allowing them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop some caramelization, then stir occasionally for about 10 to 12 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add chopped red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic, continuing to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until all the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized. This slow cooking melds the flavors so the sweetness of the potatoes and peppers shines through beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Let the mixture cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through and allow the flavors to blend seamlessly. Taste your creation and adjust salt or spices if needed before plating. This final step unites all the components, ensuring every bite bursts with cohesive and rich flavor.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top not only brightens the look but also adds a vivid herbal note that cuts through the richness of the skillet. You might also try a squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of cool Greek yogurt to add a refreshing and tangy twist that complements the smoky spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is wonderfully versatile and can be paired with steamed greens, such as sautéed kale or spinach, to round out the nutrition. A simple quinoa salad or a warm crusty bread also works beautifully to soak up all the delicious juices left in the pan and make your dinner feel more substantial.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the skillet directly at the table so everyone can help themselves straight from the pan—it amps up the cozy, family-style vibe. Alternatively, serve individual portions over a bed of fluffy couscous or cauliflower rice to elevate the dish and offer a charming pop of texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, freeze the skillet in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the texture remains tender and the flavors stay vibrant.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Microwaving is a quicker option, but be sure to cover the dish and stir halfway through to maintain moisture and even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they tend to stay juicier and offer a richer flavor, making them perfect for this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for hearty plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu cubes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so your ingredients are perfectly cooked.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. This recipe is very flexible—you can toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or even kale during the vegetable cooking step to add more variety and nutrition.
How can I reduce cooking time for the sweet potatoes?
A great shortcut is to microwave the diced sweet potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes before sautéing them. This jump-starts the cooking, giving you a faster finish while keeping them tender.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasonings and avoid any additives that might contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is truly a hidden gem in the world of easy, nutritious dinners. It brings together simple ingredients with bold, comforting flavors in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. Whether you’re cooking for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend meal, this skillet will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Give it a try and enjoy the effortless magic of a one-pan wonder!
Print
One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A wholesome and flavorful one-pan chicken and sweet potato skillet that’s perfect for an easy, nutritious weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin, then cooked alongside sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and onions for a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. Garnished with fresh herbs, this gluten-free meal is as vibrant as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
Vegetables
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking vegetables)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
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 the chicken 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 they begin to soften. Then add the chopped red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together to combine. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to reheat the chicken and blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the skillet with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious one-pan meal!
Notes
- For a quicker cooking process, microwave the diced sweet potatoes for 3–4 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- This dish pairs excellently with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with cilantro based on your flavor preference.
- Make sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
