One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Imagine the sizzle of tender chicken and caramelized sweet potatoes cooking together in a single skillet, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The combination of savory chicken, sweet potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a balanced, nutritious meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly seasoned skillet dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes while using just one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable – everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash and less time spent cleaning up. The contrast of textures is simply divine: crispy-skinned chicken against tender, caramelized sweet potatoes creates an exciting mouthfeel in every bite.

The flavor profile strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet, with herbs and spices that complement both the chicken and sweet potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish scales beautifully and maintains its delicious taste even when reheated.

For busy weeknights, this chicken sweet potato dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, making it faster than takeout but infinitely more satisfying. The ingredients are affordable pantry staples, making this a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

Ingredients

For this easy One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds), cut into ¾-inch cubes
• 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey for additional sweetness

The chicken thighs provide rich flavor and stay moist during cooking, while sweet potatoes offer a perfect balance of natural sweetness and hearty texture. Fresh herbs elevate the dish, but dried work well in a pinch.

Pro Tips

To elevate your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet from good to great, follow these expert techniques:

Proper pan preheating is crucial. Start with a hot skillet before adding any ingredients. This ensures you get that beautiful golden sear on both the chicken and sweet potatoes, developing deeper flavor through caramelization. A cast-iron skillet works best, but any large, heavy-bottomed pan will do.

Cut your sweet potatoes consistently. Uniform ¾-inch cubes ensure they cook evenly and finish at the same time as the chicken. Larger chunks will remain undercooked, while smaller pieces might turn mushy. If you notice some pieces cooking faster than others, arrange the less-cooked pieces toward the center of the pan where it’s hottest.

Rest your chicken before serving. After cooking, let the skillet stand for 5 minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than spilling out when cut, resulting in much juicier chicken. Use this time to chop fresh herbs for garnish or prepare a simple side salad to complete the meal.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by cutting sweet potatoes into ¾-inch cubes and slicing the red onion into wedges. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps achieve a better sear) and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sweet potato cubes and onion wedges. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes begin to soften and develop some color. The natural sugars in the sweet potatoes will start to caramelize, creating delicious flavor.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, thyme, and cumin to the skillet. Stir continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant – this blooms the spices and releases their essential oils, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces between the sweet potatoes. If using maple syrup or honey, drizzle it over now. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a bright, herbaceous note that balances the rich flavors of this hearty chicken sweet potato skillet dinner. Serve directly from the pan for a rustic presentation that minimizes cleanup.

Variations

The versatility of this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet makes it perfect for customization. For a Mediterranean twist, add a handful of pitted Kalamata olives, a sprinkle of feta cheese, and substitute the herbs with oregano and lemon zest. The tangy olives and cheese create a beautiful contrast with the sweet potatoes.

For those following a spicy chicken skillet recipe variation, incorporate 1-2 diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other spices. You can also add a southwestern flair by using chili powder and cumin as your primary seasonings, then finishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice instead of parsley.

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with a can of drained, rinsed chickpeas or 8 ounces of firm tofu cut into cubes. The cooking time will be shorter, and you’ll still enjoy a protein-rich meal with all the delicious flavors of the original recipe.

Storage and Serving

This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooling completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture, or microwave at 70% power to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

For serving, pair this hearty skillet with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil – the peppery greens complement the sweet and savory components perfectly. Alternatively, serve alongside steamed broccoli or green beans for additional nutrition and color contrast.

For a more substantial meal, this skillet pairs wonderfully with crusty whole grain bread for sopping up the flavorful juices. For a dinner party presentation, transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a bright, appealing finish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Since breasts are leaner, reduce the initial searing time to 3 minutes per side and check for doneness earlier to prevent them from drying out. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F (74°C).

How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy?
Cut sweet potatoes into slightly larger, uniform pieces (about ¾-inch cubes) and don’t overcrowd the pan. A hot pan and minimal stirring help develop a caramelized exterior that holds its shape better.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until ready to cook. Alternatively, you can fully cook the dish, refrigerate it, and reheat it in a skillet with a tablespoon of broth or water to maintain moisture.

What’s the best skillet to use for this recipe?
A 12-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and developing good caramelization, but any large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet will work well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free as written. Just ensure any store-bought spice blends you use don’t contain gluten additives.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is comfort food at its finest — hearty, nutritious, and bursting with savory-sweet flavors that satisfy on even the busiest weeknights. It’s the kind of dish that proves delicious, wholesome meals don’t require complicated techniques or a sink full of dishes. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or simply looking to expand your repertoire of easy one-pan dinners, this recipe delivers exceptional results with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a balanced meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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