If you are craving a dish that is hearty, vibrant, and packed with flavor, the Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This dish perfectly balances tender, seasoned chicken with sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes, all cooked together in one pan for ease and savory goodness. It’s a symphony of warm spices, rich textures, and fresh herbal notes that come together to create a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or sharing with friends, this recipe checks all the boxes for deliciousness and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make the Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe? You only need a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible taste and texture. From the tender chicken breast to the naturally sweet and velvety sweet potatoes, every element is essential to this balanced skillet meal.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: This is your lean protein, tender and ready to soak up all the spices.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes: Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked just right.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Essential for getting that perfect caramelization on the sweet potatoes and a golden sear on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with gentle sharpness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb introduces a fragrant earthiness that pairs beautifully with the chicken and potatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances every flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional: Adds richness and a silky finish when stirred in at the end.
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish: A bright pop of color and fresh flavor for presentation and taste.
How to Make Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing your cubed chicken in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let the chicken sit and marinate in these spices for 5 to 10 minutes so that every bite will be infused with those warm, inviting flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Next, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in your cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Spread the diced sweet potatoes in a single layer and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside. Once done, remove the sweet potatoes and set them aside—this step ensures they get perfectly crispy edges before mixing with the chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet, lay the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Allow them to sear for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. You want the chicken to develop a golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it’s cooked through and juicy.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the caramelized sweet potatoes back to the skillet with the chicken. Gently stir to bring those wonderful flavors together. If you’re using butter, stir it in now to add a glossy finish and extra richness. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the skillet before serving. This final touch adds freshness and an appealing pop of green that makes the dish look as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme is the perfect garnish for this dish. The herbs brighten up the deep, cozy flavors and add a lovely visual contrast to the warm orange and golden hues. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the freshness even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is a complete dish on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed greens like spinach or kale. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a vinaigrette can introduce a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, hearty chicken and sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, keep the skillet on the table so everyone can serve themselves straight from it. If entertaining, plate individual servings and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to add texture. For a fun twist, try rolling the chicken and sweet potatoes into warm tortillas with a bit of cheese for a rustic wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after resting overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal. Just be sure to cool the food before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion out the cooked dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth can help prevent the sweet potatoes from drying out. Avoid microwaving directly if possible to keep the chicken juicy and the sweet potatoes tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They offer a bit more fat and flavor, making the dish even juicier and richer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs cook a bit differently.
What can I substitute if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If smoked paprika isn’t on hand, regular paprika will still provide a lovely color and mild sweetness. Adding a tiny pinch of ground cumin or chili powder can help bring some of that smoky warmth to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to use gluten-free spices and check your ingredients if purchasing pre-mixed seasonings to avoid contamination.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe is designed around chicken, you can swap the protein for hearty chickpeas or cubed firm tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times to ensure proper texture and heat through.
How spicy is the Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe?
This dish has a mild warmth thanks to the smoked paprika and spices but is not spicy hot. If you prefer a bit of heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes to taste during seasoning.
Final Thoughts
Give the Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe a try and you’ll quickly see why it’s such a cherished meal. The blend of sweet and savory, the ease of a one-pan dish, and the cozy yet fresh flavor combination make it a standout option for any night of the week. It’s guaranteed to warm your kitchen and your heart, so gather your ingredients and start cooking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and hearty Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe featuring tender chicken cubes seared to perfection alongside caramelized sweet potatoes, infused with smoked paprika and herbs for a simple yet delicious one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and tender. Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Mix gently to combine. If desired, add 1 tablespoon of butter and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors and melt the butter.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the skillet mixture. Serve hot and enjoy your wholesome meal.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best caramelization and even cooking.
- You can substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme if available, adding it at the end to preserve flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
- Optional butter adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Internal temperature for cooked chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
