One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

If your weeknights crave a flavor-packed rescue, the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly the dinner solution you need. This dish is warm, vibrant, and impossibly easy — every ingredient shines through in a perfectly balanced medley of tenderness and spice. With juicy chicken, creamy sweet potatoes, sweet bell pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley all in one pan, this is a meal you’ll make again and again. Cleanup is minimal, the nutrition is all there, and the taste? Well, let’s just say it turns even the simplest evening into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully simple, and every ingredient truly brings something to the table. Together, they blend heartiness, color, and just the right amount of kick for a One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

• Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and the perfect blank canvas for all those warm spices to soak in.
• Olive oil: Helps everything brown beautifully and adds a light, fruity richness to the skillet.
• Sweet potatoes: These add creamy texture and just a touch of sweetness, balancing the smoky and spicy notes.
• Red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and a subtle, sweet crunch that lifts the dish.
• Red onion: A punch of flavor and a hint of color — it mellows and sweetens as it cooks.
• Garlic: Sautéed garlic brings an irresistible aroma and savory boost.
• Smoked paprika: Deep, smoky warmth that gives the chicken its signature flavor.
• Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin enhances the skillet’s overall depth.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle or bold kick of spice, depending on how spicy you like it.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out and brightening all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, it delivers a lively finish and beautiful color contrast.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Soften the Sweet Potatoes

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat. It’s important to get these sweet potatoes started first, since they take a bit longer to soften. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and give them a stir every few minutes, letting them sizzle for about 8 to 10 minutes until they begin to turn tender and golden on the edges. The aroma at this stage is already promising!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the pan, making just enough space for the next star of the show. Add the remaining olive oil, then pile in the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle over smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne if you’re in the mood, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let the chicken cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it browns and soaks up the smoky spices.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Garlic

This is where everything comes together for that classic One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet magic. Add the diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and minced garlic right into the skillet. Stir well so all the flavors start mingling and the veggies soften, cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender and the chicken is cooked through. By now, your kitchen will smell absolutely inviting!

Step 4: Taste, Adjust, and Finish with Parsley

Give the skillet a taste and adjust the seasoning if you want a touch more salt or pepper. Once everything is perfectly cooked and seasoned, remove from the heat and sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. The green flecks make the whole dish pop, adding a bright, herby finish to every bite.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

This dish is already beautiful, but scattering extra fresh parsley over the top right before serving brings a spark of freshness. Squeeze a little lemon or even add a few shavings of parmesan for more brightness and depth. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.

Side Dishes

The wonderful thing about this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is that it’s truly a meal on its own, but it loves good company! Serve it over fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice if you want extra bulk. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli would complement the warmth of the skillet without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to make dinner extra special, transfer the skillet meal into a rustic serving dish. Layer it over a bed of baby spinach so the heat gently wilts the greens, or pack it into meal-prep containers for an eye-catching, colorful lunch. Even a sprinkle of toasted nuts, like pepitas or almonds, can elevate the presentation and add a little crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet can be cooled and stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, which makes it just as—if not more—delicious the next day. Just be sure everything is fully cooled before you cover and refrigerate it.

Freezing

This skillet is freezer-friendly! Simply portion cooled servings into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll happily keep for up to 2 months. For best texture, let the portions thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating; this helps prevent everything from getting watery or mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm a portion in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to keep things moist if needed. You can also microwave it in a pinch, covering it lightly and stirring halfway through. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw first for most even reheating.

FAQs

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian take on the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet, simply swap the chicken for hearty chickpeas or cubes of tofu. Both options soak up the spices beautifully and keep the meal filling and satisfying.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in spinach, kale, zucchini, or even broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. This skillet is wonderfully flexible — just keep an eye on the cooking times for each veggie so everything is perfectly tender.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika will work in a pinch, though you’ll miss that unique smoky aroma. Adding a pinch of chipotle powder or a splash of liquid smoke can help mimic the flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The base recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the smoked paprika and cumin, but you control the heat with cayenne pepper. Start small if you’re cautious, or skip it altogether for a mild version that’s still packed with flavor.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a meal prep dream! Simply portion cooled servings into containers and refrigerate. It reheats well and holds up beautifully for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that comes together so easily in one pan, yet bursts with color, flavor, and nutrition. The One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet has earned a permanent spot in my regular recipe rotation, and I hope it becomes a go-to for you as well. If you crave a fuss-free dinner that brings people to the table with a smile, this skillet has you covered. Give it a try — it might just be your new favorite!

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