Zesty Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe for Tasty Dinners

Crispy golden chicken finds its perfect match in a hearty sweet potato skillet that promises comfort and flavor.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Home cooks seeking a one-pan marvel will adore this effortless combination of tender meat and caramelized vegetables.

Rustic and robust, this skillet creation brings together protein and root vegetables in a dance of deliciousness.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can whip up this meal faster than ordering takeout.

The secret lies in letting each ingredient shine while creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Grab a skillet and let the culinary magic begin – this recipe will become your new go-to meal for delightful, stress-free cooking.

Why Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet Is A One-Pan Wonder

• Whip Up Quick Weeknight Comfort: This one-skillet chicken and sweet potato recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Master Hassle-Free Cooking Technique: By using a single skillet, you'll minimize cleanup time, reduce dishes, and create layers of flavor through strategic cooking methods that keep chicken juicy and sweet potatoes perfectly tender.
• Embrace Nutritious Convenience: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich sweet potatoes, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients in one simple, colorful dish.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes personal touches like adjusting spice levels, swapping herbs, or adding extra vegetables, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

All The Ingredients In Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the main dish, boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cumin: Classic spices that enhance chicken's natural flavor and create a warm, aromatic seasoning.

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty and sweet base that adds nutritional value and creamy texture, orange varieties provide best color and flavor.
• Onion: Provides depth of flavor and natural sweetness to the skillet.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic punch to the entire dish.
• Chili Powder: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a subtle heat and complexity.

• Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and prevents sticking, extra virgin recommended for better flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Helps soften vegetables and adds moisture to the skillet.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that brings freshness to the final dish.
• Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that provide color and light, herbal notes as garnish.

How To Cook Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Ground cumin

Cook the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust, turning occasionally. The meat should look partially cooked with a nice exterior. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Caramelize Sweet Potatoes

• Diced sweet potatoes
• Chopped onions

Stir and dance the vegetables around the pan, allowing them to develop rich, caramel-like edges. Sprinkle minced garlic and chili powder for an extra flavor punch. Pour a splash of chicken broth to help steam and soften the sweet potatoes. Cover the skillet and let everything mingle and become tender.

Step 3: Merge and Finish

Slide the previously seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling the pieces among the sweet potatoes. Let everything cook together, allowing the flavors to create a harmonious blend. Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and scatter chopped herbs on top. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips To Get Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet Just Right

• Boost Chicken Tenderness: Slice chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Sweet Potato Pro Tip: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes around 1/2-inch thick for even, quick cooking that maintains perfect texture.
• Spice Up Safely: Adjust chili powder according to heat preference, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go to control spiciness.
• One-Pan Magic: Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat distribution and to develop deeper, richer flavor caramelization on chicken and potatoes.
• Protein Swap Hack: Replace chicken with tofu or beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish's delicious spice profile and hearty texture.

Best Way To Store Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet

• Refrigerate leftover chicken and sweet potato skillet in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the dish cools completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation.
• Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tough and sweet potatoes soggy.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, wrapping tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and consume within 24 hours of thawing for best quality and flavor.

Tasty Matches For Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet

• Pair with Zesty Citrus White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the lime and spice notes in the chicken skillet, cutting through the richness of sweet potatoes with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Match with Hearty Grain Side: Serve alongside fluffy quinoa or couscous to soak up the delicious pan juices and add extra texture to the meal, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.
• Create a Fresh Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pumpkin seeds to provide a peppery, crunchy contrast to the warm, spiced chicken and sweet potatoes.
• Enhance with Cool Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick tzatziki or cilantro-lime yogurt dip to drizzle over the skillet, adding a creamy, tangy element that bridges the dish's robust flavors.

Creative Variations For Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet

• Spicy Southwestern Fusion: Replace chili powder with chipotle powder and add diced bell peppers for extra heat and color. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top for a Mexican-inspired touch.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap cumin and paprika with dried oregano and thyme. Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Caribbean Coconut Splash: Introduce coconut milk while cooking sweet potatoes and season with allspice and ginger. Top with toasted coconut flakes and green onions for a tropical profile.
• Rustic Autumn Blend: Incorporate diced butternut squash alongside sweet potatoes. Season with sage and rosemary. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutty flavor.

FAQs For Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet

• Why use both paprika and chili powder in this recipe?

These spices add different layers of flavor – paprika provides a sweet, mild warmth while chili powder brings a slightly spicier kick, creating a more complex and interesting taste profile for the chicken and sweet potatoes.

• Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This skillet recipe works great with turkey, lean pork, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s fully cooked.

• What makes sweet potatoes a healthy addition to this dish?

Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. They provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture while offering significant health benefits like supporting eye health and boosting immune function.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts – they’re usually cheaper, more flavorful, and stay juicier during cooking. Also, buy spices in bulk and look for sweet potatoes when they’re in season to keep costs down.

Chicken And Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Satisfying comfort meets culinary delight in this chicken and sweet potato skillet, where tender chicken melds perfectly with caramelized sweet potatoes. Savory spices and one-pan simplicity make this dish a weeknight winner for hungry families seeking delicious, wholesome meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil, creating a sizzling cooking surface for the protein.
2. Nestle chicken pieces into the hot skillet, generously coating with a blend of aromatic spices like salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
3. Sear the chicken for approximately 4 minutes, developing a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the meat remains partially undercooked.
4. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a temporary plate, reserving the flavorful skillet for subsequent ingredients.
5. Introduce another splash of olive oil into the same skillet, creating a conducive environment for sweet potatoes and onions.
6. Tumble sweet potato cubes and diced onions into the pan, allowing them to caramelize and soften over 5-6 minutes with occasional stirring.
7. Enhance the vegetable medley by adding minced garlic and a hint of chili powder, then deglaze with a modest amount of chicken broth to accelerate potato tenderization.
8. Cover the skillet, allowing the ingredients to steam and become fork-tender for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Reintroduce the seared chicken back into the skillet, gently incorporating all components to ensure even heat distribution.
10. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, confirming the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.
11. Elevate the dish’s brightness by squeezing fresh lime juice over the skillet’s contents.
12. Conclude by scattering fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, creating a vibrant garnish that adds both color and herbal complexity.
13. Serve the skillet immediately while ingredients remain piping hot and flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding meat, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining tender, succulent texture.
• Consider using sweet potato varieties like garnet or jewel for richer color and slightly sweeter taste profile.
• Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the dish’s hearty, satisfying character.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg