Sweet Potato Chicken Skillet

If there’s one dinner that does it all — flavor, balance, and convenience — it’s the Sweet Potato Chicken Skillet. This hearty, one-pan meal is your answer to “What’s for dinner?” on busy weeknights.

It’s wholesome without being complicated: juicy chunks of chicken, golden sweet potatoes, garlic, and herbs come together in a skillet to form a meal that feels both comforting and light. Every bite offers the perfect contrast of savory and slightly sweet, tender and crisp.

You won’t believe how something so simple can taste so complete. Best of all? It requires minimal prep, no fancy ingredients, and only one pan — meaning less time cleaning and more time enjoying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan = Easy Cleanup — Everything cooks together in the same skillet, so no extra dishes.

• Nutrient-Rich & Balanced — Protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy carbs in one satisfying dish.

• Family-Friendly — Mild, cozy flavors everyone will love — even picky eaters.

• Quick and Weeknight-Ready — Done in under 30 minutes.

• Versatile & Customizable — Swap seasonings, veggies, or protein to fit your mood.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home — nourishing, colorful, and unbelievably easy to make from scratch.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp cumin

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (optional, for deglazing)

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ tsp chili flakes for heat

• A squeeze of lime juice for brightness

• ½ cup spinach or kale, stirred in at the end

• ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional for serving)

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How to Make Sweet Potato Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by washing, peeling, and dicing your sweet potatoes into even ¾-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and caramelize perfectly.
Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Drying helps achieve a nice sear when cooking.

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Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and half the paprika.

3. Sear for 4–6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).

4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed for that perfect sear!

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Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil.

2. Add the diced sweet potatoes and onion. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to soften and the onions caramelize.

3. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, thyme, and cumin. Stir to coat evenly.

If the mixture starts to stick, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or water. This also lifts up all that flavorful browned goodness from the bottom of the skillet.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the browned chicken and chopped red bell pepper back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cover with a lid.

Cook for another 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra spices as desired.

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Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Once cooked, remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Serve hot straight from the skillet, family-style — or portion into containers for meal prep.

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Serving Suggestions

This skillet is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach

• A scoop of quinoa or rice for extra bulk

• Warm whole grain bread to soak up the juices

You can even use leftovers as a filling for wraps, tacos, or burrito bowls!

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Flavor Variations

This recipe is endlessly flexible. Here are some flavor twists you can try:

Mediterranean

• Add oregano, cherry tomatoes, and olives.

• Drizzle with lemon and top with crumbled feta.

Southwestern

• Use chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne.

• Add black beans and corn. Serve with avocado or salsa.

BBQ Style

• Toss cooked chicken and sweet potatoes in a little BBQ sauce.

• Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 5 minutes for a melty finish.

Creamy Garlic

• Stir in ¼ cup coconut milk or cream at the end for a silky, mild version.

• Add fresh spinach for color and nutrition.

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How to Store and Reheat

In the fridge:

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Microwave in 60-second intervals or warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

In the freezer:

• Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch and store in individual containers for easy weekday lunches.

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Tips for Success

• Cut evenly: Small, consistent cubes of sweet potato cook best.

• Sear first: Browning the chicken locks in moisture and flavor.

• Don’t rush: Let the sweet potatoes caramelize for deep flavor.

• Deglaze smartly: Use a splash of broth or even a bit of lemon juice to pick up all the brown bits (that’s where the flavor hides).

• Balance: Sweet potatoes naturally add sweetness — balance it with savory herbs, garlic, and spice.

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Nutrition Highlights

This one-pan meal is as nourishing as it is delicious:

• Protein: Chicken provides lean, muscle-supporting protein.

• Fiber & Vitamins: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants.

• Healthy Fats: Olive oil supports heart health and adds richness.

• Low Sugar, High Energy: Complex carbs keep you fueled without blood sugar spikes.

A typical serving contains:

• Calories: ~400

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fat: 15g

• Fiber: 6g

Values may vary slightly based on ingredients used.

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Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly since they take a bit longer.

What’s the best pan for this recipe?
A large nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best for even heat and caramelization.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — substitute the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu and skip the chicken broth.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! This dish welcomes extras — try zucchini, kale, spinach, mushrooms, or green beans.

How can I make it spicy?
Add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeño, or a drizzle of hot sauce to taste.

What if my sweet potatoes are not soft enough?
Add a splash of broth, cover the pan, and simmer for 3–4 extra minutes until tender.

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How to Turn It Into a Complete Meal

This skillet is balanced, but you can easily turn it into a full meal experience:

• Add Grains: Serve over quinoa, rice, or bulgur for a filling dinner.

• Add Greens: Mix in spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking for extra nutrition.

• Add Texture: Top with toasted nuts, seeds, or crumbled feta for a flavor punch.

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Meal Prep Guide

If you’re into meal prepping, this recipe is gold:

Make Ahead:

• Roast sweet potatoes and cook chicken ahead of time.

• Store separately in airtight containers.

Reheat & Assemble:

• Combine in a skillet or microwave-safe dish, warm up, and top with herbs or sauce before serving.

Storage Duration:

• Fridge: Up to 4 days

• Freezer: Up to 3 months

Best for:

• Office lunches

• Quick post-workout dinners

• Family meal rotation

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Serving Ideas for Leftovers

• Wrap it up: Stuff into whole grain tortillas for a handheld lunch.

• Add eggs: Reheat leftovers and top with fried or scrambled eggs for breakfast.

• Make a bowl: Layer over rice with a drizzle of yogurt sauce.

• Top a salad: Serve cold over mixed greens for a hearty salad.

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Expert Touches

To elevate your skillet even more:

• Add a spoon of Greek yogurt or avocado crema before serving for creaminess.

• Sprinkle a touch of parmesan or feta for a salty balance to the sweet potatoes.

• Finish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme — freshness is everything.

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The Beauty of Simplicity

There’s something magical about a recipe that turns a few humble ingredients into something this flavorful. The Sweet Potato Chicken Skillet embodies what weeknight cooking should be: minimal fuss, maximum comfort, and pure nourishment.

It’s colorful, naturally sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying. Every spoonful tastes like it took hours to make — but in truth, it’s a 30-minute miracle.

Perfect for busy families, solo diners, or meal prep pros, this skillet proves that healthy, homemade food can be as effortless as it is delicious.

So grab your skillet, toss in those sweet potatoes and chicken, and watch dinner practically cook itself.