This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a warm and tasty one-pan meal. Tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies all cook together, making clean-up a breeze!
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I whip this up on busy nights when I need something quick yet yummy. Plus, the blend of flavors keeps me coming back for seconds! 😋
I love how easy it is to make; just toss everything in the pan and let it cook! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and packed with good stuff. Enjoy it with a simple salad on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breast for this dish. It’s lean and tender, but thighs can be a juicier alternative. If you have leftover cooked chicken, feel free to use that too—just add it at the end to heat through!
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and nutrition. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with regular potatoes or even butternut squash. Just adjust cooking time as necessary for different textures!
Olive Oil: A staple for a rich flavor and healthy fats. Canola or avocado oil are great alternatives if you’re looking for a different taste or smoking point. For a bit of flair, try flavored oils like garlic or rosemary!
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add depth. If you want a bit of heat, swap paprika for smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can step in for thyme if needed.
How Do I Cook Sweet Potatoes Until They’re Perfectly Tender?
Cooking sweet potatoes just right is key for this dish! You’ll want them tender yet slightly crispy. Try these steps:
- Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Heat your skillet with oil, and once it’s hot, add the sweet potatoes and season them.
- Cover the skillet for the first few minutes; this helps steam and soften the potatoes.
- Stir occasionally; this promotes even browning and caramelization. Aim for about 10-15 minutes of cooking!
Remember, patience is key. The more time you give them, the sweeter and tastier they will become!
How to Make Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh herbs for garnishing (optional, such as thyme or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe takes about 30-35 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and about 20-25 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and wholesome meal that you can easily enjoy any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be nicely browned and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the sweet potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should get tender and caramelized. If you like, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to help them cook faster.
3. Bringing it All Together:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together and add the fresh thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. This will let the flavors blend beautifully!
4. Garnishing and Serving:
If you’d like, garnish your dish with some fresh herbs to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet warm and enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!
Can I Substitute Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, but keep in mind they may take a little longer to cook. You could also use vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on what you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sweet potatoes in advance! Cook everything according to the recipe, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you prefer not to use olive oil, you can substitute it with other cooking oils like coconut oil or avocado oil. Both work well for sautéing and will impart a subtle flavor to the dish.
