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If you’re searching for a weeknight winner that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal cleanup, let me introduce you to the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. This dish is a beautifully balanced blend of tender, spiced chicken thighs nestled alongside caramelized sweet potatoes and aromatic herbs, all cooked in a single skillet. With its vibrant colors and hearty textures, it’s an easy, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate and quickly becomes a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are small in number but mighty in impact. Each one plays a vital role in bringing the comforting, savory, and slightly sweet notes to the dish.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender throughout cooking, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced, they bring natural sweetness and creamy texture as they caramelize in the pan.
- 1 medium onion: Adds a subtle earthiness and helps build depth when softened with garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its unmistakable aroma and rich savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This spice gives a smoky warmth that enhances the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy and slightly nutty, cumin adds a perfect warmth to the seasoning blend.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance and heighten all the flavors, adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle bite that complements the spices without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): For those who love a tiny kick of heat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Needed to sear the chicken and caramelize the sweet potatoes for that golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs bring an aromatic punch and fresh flavor; plus, extra for garnish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Adds a bright, zesty finish when drizzled at the end.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps you get a beautiful sear later on. Then season both sides generously with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, making sure the spices really cling to the meat and promise a burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs carefully and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You want a golden brown crust forming, but the chicken should still be slightly undercooked in the center as it will finish cooking later. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—your pan is now ready for the next magic step.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and let them sizzle for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the potatoes to soften and develop those irresistible caramelized edges that add sweetness and texture.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Next, stir in your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook these for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This base flavor layer complements the spices and adds complexity to the dish.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it amidst the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or rosemary evenly atop everything. Cover your skillet, lower the heat to medium, and let it cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This final simmer ensures the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F while the sweet potatoes become tender and cozy alongside it.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, drizzle a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the dish if you like a bit of brightness. Garnish with extra fresh herbs to elevate both flavor and presentation. Serve hot right from the skillet for a rustic, soul-satisfying meal that feels both elegant and down-to-earth.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary not only add a pop of green but infuse a fragrant herbal note. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a quick sprinkle of chili flakes can also brighten the flavors and customize the dish to your taste.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or even a simple grain like quinoa or couscous to soak up any flavorful pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this in the skillet itself for a cozy, rustic feel, or arrange the chicken and sweet potatoes over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta for an elegant touch. You can also serve it family-style for gatherings, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the vibrant colors and hearty flavors together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken and sweet potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for perfect next-day lunches or easy dinner reheats.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or olive oil helps keep the chicken and sweet potatoes moist and delicious rather than drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine but tend to dry out faster, so keep an eye on cooking time and avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried thyme or rosemary can be substituted but use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas, and maybe add extra spices or a splash of vegetable broth to enhance flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or kale work beautifully and can be added when you toss in onions and garlic to keep everything cooking evenly.
How spicy is this dish with chili flakes?
The chili flakes add just a gentle kick that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and warmth of the spices; you can always omit or adjust to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a true game-changer when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with little fuss and a lot of love. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special—a dish worth making time and time again. Give it a go and enjoy the satisfying blend of flavors and textures with every comforting bite.
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One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with warm spices and seared to golden perfection before being cooked alongside caramelized sweet potatoes and aromatic onions and garlic. Finished with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon juice, this skillet meal delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet in a single pan.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing them to soften and caramelize for maximum flavor.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic with the sweet potatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and the onions begin to soften.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or rosemary over the dish. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with lemon juice if desired and garnish with additional fresh herbs. Serve hot and enjoy your one-pan, wholesome meal!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking times to avoid drying out the meat.
- Feel free to swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash or regular potatoes for variation.
- Adjust chili flakes to your spice tolerance or omit for a milder dish.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of chicken broth when simmering for extra moisture.
- This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
