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
Scale
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.
