Sizzling Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe: Cozy Comfort

When hunger strikes, a hearty chicken and sweet potato skillet becomes my go-to comfort meal.

Crisp edges and golden-brown surfaces promise deliciousness in every bite.

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly in one pan, creating magic with minimal cleanup.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among caramelized sweet potato chunks, delivering robust seasonings that dance across your palate.

Nutritious and satisfying, this skillet recipe brings warmth to your evening table.

Savor each delectable forkful and let culinary excitement guide your cooking adventure.

Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet for Simple Weeknight Meals

• Sweet potatoes deliver an incredible boost of vitamins and fiber, while lean chicken provides high-quality protein, creating a balanced meal that fuels your body and satisfies hunger.
• Using just one skillet means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe a dream for those who hate spending time scrubbing pots and pans after cooking.
• With just a few common spices like paprika and cumin, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes complex but requires minimal culinary skills.

What’s Inside Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main component of the dish, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quick and even cooking.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cumin: Classic spice blend that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, enhancing its natural flavor and creating a delicious seasoning crust.

• Olive Oil: Provides a healthy cooking medium with a light, fresh flavor that helps brown the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.

Cooking Directions for Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Enhancers

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Ground cumin

In a small bowl, mix the dry seasonings together to create a quick spice blend that will infuse your chicken with incredible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Fire Up the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil, allowing it to shimmer and spread across the cooking surface. The hot skillet will help create a perfect golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets maximum seasoning. Let the chicken sizzle and dance in the pan for 4-5 minutes, developing a beautiful caramelized crust. The goal is to create a stunning golden color without cooking the chicken completely through.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Using tongs, transfer the partially cooked chicken to a clean plate. The chicken will continue to cook in later steps, so this brief pause allows it to retain its juiciness and prevents overcooking.

Tips to Make Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Shine

• Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before adding to the skillet to ensure a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Spice Balance Matters: Adjust paprika and cumin quantities to your taste preference, using fresh spices for maximum flavor complexity.
• Prevent Overcooking: Remove chicken just before fully cooked, as it will continue cooking when returning to the skillet, keeping meat tender and juicy.
• Sweet Potato Selection: Choose firm, uniform-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve proper caramelization without burning the chicken or sweet potatoes.

Store and Reheat Your Skillet Meal Easily

• Store leftover chicken and sweet potato skillet in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm the skillet contents over medium heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Wrap the cooled skillet meal tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen portions remain good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Pairings for Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Pair this hearty skillet with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the chicken and sweet potato, creating a refreshing balance.
• Create a bright side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to add tangy contrast and freshness to the savory skillet dish.
• Blend Greek yogurt with chopped cilantro, mint, and a squeeze of lemon to provide a cool, creamy accompaniment that elevates the spices in the chicken.
• Prepare crusty bread rubbed with roasted garlic to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a comforting texture to the meal.

Ways to Customize Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and marinated in the same spices for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if included in additional recipe steps.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap sweet potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar cooking techniques and flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to intensify the heat and create a bolder southwestern-inspired flavor.

Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet FAQs

• What are the key spices in this chicken and sweet potato skillet recipe?

The key spices are salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin, which provide a warm, slightly smoky flavor profile that enhances the chicken’s taste.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly browned but not overcooked?

Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes over medium-high heat until it develops a golden-brown exterior. The chicken should look seared but not completely cooked through, as it will continue cooking later in the skillet.

• Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various chicken cuts like chicken thighs, breast pieces, or even chicken tenders. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Why should I remove the chicken from the skillet after initial browning?

Removing the chicken allows you to brown it without overcooking and creates a staging area for later steps in the recipe. This technique helps maintain the chicken’s moisture and prevents it from becoming tough.

Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and sweet potato skillet delivers pure comfort on a plate, blending savory protein with caramelized root vegetables. Rustic flavors meld together, creating a simple yet satisfying meal that will transport you straight to a countryside kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
2. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces to the hot surface, generously coating with a blend of salt, pepper, smoky paprika, and earthy cumin.
3. Sauté chicken until exterior develops a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes, ensuring meat remains partially undercooked and tender.
4. Carefully transfer chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful cooking juices and maintaining the skillet’s temperature.

Notes

• For maximum flavor, pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juices.
• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture and spice profile.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and better caramelization of the chicken and sweet potatoes, enhancing overall taste and color.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken to prevent steaming instead of browning, which helps develop deeper, richer flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg