There is something truly special about the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe that makes it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Imagine tender, golden chicken breasts paired perfectly with sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes and colorful bell peppers, all cooked together in one skillet to create a harmony of flavors without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. This dish is not only vibrant and hearty but also incredibly simple, bringing comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe so delightful is how effortlessly the ingredients come together, each playing an essential role in delivering that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors. Using simple pantry staples and fresh veggies, you’ll create a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that lovely golden sear on the chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and flavorful with the right seasoning.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Garlic powder: Brings a warm, mellow garlic taste that penetrates the chicken evenly.
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and color for visual and flavor depth.
- Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy texture contrast beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Red and green bell peppers: Offer a crisp, fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Red onion: Provides sweetness and a hint of sharpness when cooked.
- Minced garlic: Delivers a fresh, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- Dried thyme and rosemary: Herbal notes that add complexity and earthy undertones.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and helps deglaze the pan for a flavorful sauce.
- Lemon juice: Adds bright, zesty acidity to balance the richness.
- Fresh parsley: A pop of green freshness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Skillet and Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan comes to temperature, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to build layers of flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken that irresistible golden crust. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—the magic is just getting started.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally so they soften evenly and pick up any flavor left behind by the chicken.
Step 4: Add the Peppers, Onion, and Garlic
Next, add the chopped red and green bell peppers, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Allow these to cook together for another 4-5 minutes, which softens the vegetables and melds all those wonderful aromas.
Step 5: Season the Vegetables
Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary over the vegetables and stir well. These herbs bring a fresh, earthy note that enhances every bite.
Step 6: Deglaze with Broth and Lemon
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using your spoon to scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the pan. This step creates a slightly saucy base that keeps all the ingredients moist and full of flavor.
Step 7: Return Chicken and Simmer
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet amidst the vegetables. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything cook gently for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender sweet potatoes are perfectly soft.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with freshly chopped parsley adds an inviting pop of color and bright herbal freshness that lifts the whole dish. A sprinkle of additional paprika or a drizzle of lemon juice can also enhance the flavors right before serving.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is quite complete on its own, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to soak up any juices. A light couscous or quinoa salad dressed with lemon and herbs can also complement the hearty flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely family-style presentation, serve directly from the skillet at the table. Alternatively, plate individual portions with extra roasted vegetables on the side. You could even top with toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a textural twist and a touch of nutty richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare ahead of time. Make sure to cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months and thaw evenly in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This ensures the chicken stays tender and the sweet potatoes regain their softness without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to be even juicier and more forgiving if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though fresh adds that bright finishing touch. Alternatively, fresh cilantro or basil can provide a different, delicious flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version that still delivers on taste and texture.
Is it important to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling sweet potatoes is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skin on adds nutrition and texture, but peeling can make the dish a bit smoother and more uniform.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is naturally mild and focuses on savory and sweet flavors, but feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to bring in some heat.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug in the form of a meal. Its bright, balanced flavors and straightforward preparation make it a go-to recipe when you want something comforting and impressive without a lot of effort. I really encourage you to give this one a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan chicken and sweet potato skillet featuring tender seared chicken breasts, sweet potatoes, and vibrant bell peppers cooked together with aromatic herbs and a splash of lemon juice for a comforting, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse flavor.
- Sear chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add vegetables and garlic: Mix in the chopped red and green bell peppers, sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Season vegetables: Sprinkle dried thyme and rosemary evenly over the vegetables, stirring well to combine the herbs.
- Deglaze skillet: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back among the vegetables in the skillet.
- Simmer covered: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skillet before serving to add a fresh herbaceous note.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent sticking and even cooking.
- Sweet potatoes can be substituted with regular potatoes but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For more zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking vegetables.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
