Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pan meal combines tender, protein-packed chicken with naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes, aromatic garlic, and smoky paprika, enhanced by fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s nutritious, easy to make, and ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform cubes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potato cubes and diced onion, cooking until golden brown and fork-tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
- Cook the Chicken: Push the sweet potatoes and onions to the sides of the skillet and add the chicken pieces in the center. Sear each side until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Add garlic and fresh herbs during this step for maximum flavor infusion.
- Combine and Finish: Once the chicken is cooked, stir everything together in the skillet. Pour in a splash of chicken broth if using, to deglaze the pan and create a light sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Cut Evenly: Ensure sweet potato cubes are the same size for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large enough skillet to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier bites.
- Season Generously: Proper seasoning enhances every element of this dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Add freshness and aroma that elevate the skillet’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg