If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, then you’ve come to the right place! This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and best of all, it requires minimal cleanup. You’ll love how the juicy chicken pairs perfectly with caramelized sweet potatoes, creating a dish that everyone will rave about.

This recipe is not just for those hectic weekdays; it’s also a delightful option for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this skillet meal is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time!
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious flavors of chicken and sweet potatoes.
One-Pan Wonder: Save time on cleanup with this simple one-pan recipe—less mess means more time to relax!
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Skillet

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts)
2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
1 medium onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to fit your taste or what you have available in your kitchen!

Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless turkey thighs or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
Change up the spices: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for a unique flavor profile.
Make it spicy: If you enjoy heat, add more chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce before serving!

How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Dice the sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic so everything is ready to go. Having everything chopped beforehand makes cooking smoother and lets you focus on enjoying the process!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken thighs (or breasts). Sear them until golden brown on both sides—this step seals in those delicious juices! Remove them from the skillet once cooked through and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until they’re fragrant and translucent; this brings out their natural sweetness. Next, add your sweet potatoes along with paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Stir well to coat everything.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add your fresh herbs as well. Cover and cook on low heat until sweet potatoes are tender—about 10-15 minutes should do it! This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve Up

Once everything is cooked through and tender, drizzle with lemon juice if desired. Serve hot straight from the pan garnished with extra herbs. Enjoy every bite of this comforting One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet!

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet to the next level!

Choose the Right Chicken Cuts: Opting for boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts can lead to juicier results. Thighs are forgiving and stay moist even if slightly overcooked.
Preheat Your Pan: Before adding any ingredients, make sure your skillet is hot. This helps in achieving that beautiful caramelization on the sweet potatoes, enhancing their flavor.
Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allow enough time for the sweet potatoes to cook through. Stir occasionally, but let them sit long enough to develop a nice golden-brown exterior.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds an aromatic quality that dried herbs can’t match. Plus, they bring vibrant color and freshness to your dish.
Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your family’s taste preferences. This way, everyone can enjoy a meal that suits their palate!

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Serving your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet beautifully enhances the dining experience. Here are some delightful ideas to present this wholesome meal.

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh thyme or rosemary over the skillet just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Lemon zest: Grate a little lemon zest over the top for a bright flavor contrast that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a crunchy green element that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken and sweet potatoes.
Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a nutritious side that balances the richness of the skillet.
Mixed greens: A simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar serves as a refreshing counterpart to this hearty dish.
Roasted Brussels sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze create an exquisite flavor combination that rounds out your meal beautifully.

By incorporating these serving suggestions and garnishes, you’ll not only enhance the visual appeal of your dish but also create a delightful dining experience for you and your loved ones! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious dinners throughout the week with minimal effort. By preparing this dish in advance, you save yourself valuable time on busy evenings while ensuring you have a nutritious and satisfying meal ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ensure that the chicken and sweet potatoes are evenly distributed in the container for even cooling.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
Label the container with the date and contents.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, reheat in the microwave until hot, checking every minute for even heating.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this delightful dish, you’re in the right place!

Can I make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment. Just follow our make-ahead tips above!

What can I serve with One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet?

This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it over quinoa or rice for an extra hearty meal.

Can I customize the spices in One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet?

Yes! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Adding additional herbs or spices can give this dish your unique twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings family together around the table. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this recipe your own. Happy cooking!