Name: Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it!); 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness); Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Introduction

When I think of comfort food, one of the first dishes that comes to mind is chicken and sweet potatoes. There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of juicy, tender chicken and roasted sweet potatoes, all tossed together in a warm skillet. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight but fancy enough for a weekend dinner. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, color, and nutrition – making it a total winner in my book!

I’ll never forget the first time I made this recipe for my family. I was looking for something quick and easy to prepare but still hearty enough to fill everyone up after a long day. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, and the whole dish comes together so beautifully. It’s one of those meals that you can’t help but want to make over and over again.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting, simple, and delicious, this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is it. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it up for a cozy dinner with loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a must-try:

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and one skillet, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. There’s minimal prep work involved, which means less time in the kitchen and more time to relax.
Healthy and Nutritious: The sweet potatoes add a dose of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while the chicken provides lean protein. Together, they make for a balanced, feel-good meal.
Flavor-Packed: The chicken is seasoned with a simple yet flavorful blend of spices that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes. Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural caramelization, making each bite perfectly balanced.
One-Skillet Wonder: No need to dirty multiple pans—everything cooks together in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze.
Versatile: You can customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices, and it’s great for meal prepping. Plus, it’s just as good for lunch the next day!

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to impress.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 400
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet:

2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it!)
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Why These Ingredients Work:

Chicken breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and mild in flavor, making them perfect for a quick meal.
Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and rich in vitamins, they complement the savory chicken perfectly.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and cumin provide a smoky, earthy flavor that makes the dish feel comforting.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken and sweet potatoes brown and get that beautiful crispy exterior.
Honey: A touch of sweetness (optional) adds a nice balance to the savory elements in the dish.
Thyme: A little dried thyme goes a long way in adding an herby note that complements the sweet potatoes and chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered everything, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make this dish:

Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick better). Sprinkle both sides with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Rub the seasoning into the chicken so it’s evenly coated. Set the chicken aside while you prep the sweet potatoes.
Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Try to make them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you cook the sweet potatoes.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should start to soften and get a bit caramelized. If needed, add a splash more olive oil to keep them from sticking. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the potatoes cook through more quickly.
Combine Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, nestle the chicken back into the skillet, placing it on top of the potatoes. Drizzle the honey over the chicken for a touch of sweetness (this step is optional). Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Slice the chicken breasts into strips and serve the chicken alongside the sweet potatoes.

How to Serve

Here are a few ways to serve your Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet:

Serve it as is: The dish is filling on its own, and the combination of chicken and sweet potatoes is perfectly balanced.
Over a bed of greens: Serve the chicken and sweet potatoes over a fresh spinach or arugula salad for a light and refreshing twist.
With a side of veggies: Roasted broccoli, sautéed kale, or a side of green beans would pair wonderfully with this dish.
Top with avocado: For an extra layer of creaminess, add sliced avocado on top right before serving.

Additional Tips

Here are five tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfect every time:

Make sure your skillet is hot: Before adding the chicken, make sure the skillet is hot enough to sear it. This will help lock in the flavors and give the chicken a nice crispy exterior.
Check your sweet potatoes: The size of your sweet potato cubes will determine how long they take to cook. If your pieces are larger, they might need a few extra minutes, so be sure to test with a fork to make sure they’re tender.
Rest the chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Use fresh thyme for more flavor: If you have fresh thyme on hand, use it instead of dried thyme for an even more fragrant and flavorful dish.
Use a non-stick skillet: If you’re worried about things sticking, a non-stick skillet is your friend. It’ll ensure the chicken and sweet potatoes cook evenly and make cleanup easier.

Recipe Variations

If you’re in the mood for some variety, here are a few ways you can mix up this recipe:

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can season them similarly and roast them in the same way for a hearty plant-based meal.
Spicy Twist: Add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Swap the Chicken for Turkey: If you’re in the mood for a leaner option, you can swap the chicken breasts for turkey cutlets. They’ll cook up just as easily and add a slightly different flavor.
Sweet Potato Variations: If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, you can swap them for regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a similar texture and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

To round out this meal, here are some great side dishes to complement your chicken and sweet potato skillet:

Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread is always a welcome addition. It’s perfect for mopping up any extra juices or sauce in the skillet.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized edges and slightly bitter flavor, are the perfect contrast to the sweet potatoes.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly roasted asparagus with olive oil and lemon is a fresh, simple side that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the chicken and sweet potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! If you’re using bone-in chicken, the cooking time will be a little longer. Be sure to cook it for about 10-15 minutes longer, depending on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked. You may also need to adjust how you cook the sweet potatoes, so they don’t overcook while the chicken finishes.

2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut of meat. Follow the same process, but keep in mind that chicken thighs may need an extra few minutes to cook through since they are thicker than breasts. The cooking time might increase by 5-10 minutes, so use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme as the recipe suggests. Alternatively, you can swap in other herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about half the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sweet potatoes in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave if you’re in a rush. This makes for a great meal prep option!

5. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If adding veggies with higher water content, like zucchini, be mindful that they may release moisture as they cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted.

Conclusion

I hope this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe becomes a go-to in your kitchen like it has in mine. It’s one of those meals that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this dish does the trick. The juicy, seasoned chicken, combined with the tender, caramelized sweet potatoes, makes for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that you’ll love making again and again.

So next time you’re craving something delicious and easy, give this recipe a try! It’s hearty, healthy, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe