Bright pops of red and green bell peppers mingle with tender cubes of sweet potatoes and juicy morsels of chicken in every forkful of this vibrant skillet meal. The way the chicken sears to a golden-brown crust while the sweet potatoes soften just enough to melt on your tongue is simply heavenly. This isn’t just another chicken skillet; it’s a one-pan dinner that effortlessly balances cozy, homey comfort with nutritious cooking. I still remember the very first time I whipped up this sweet potato recipe: I was racing against the clock after a long day, yearning for something quick yet satisfying. In less than an hour, I had a colorful, hearty dish that smelled like a warm hug in my kitchen. If you’re on the hunt for easy weeknight meals that feel gourmet without the fuss, you’re in for a treat.
Every bite of this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a little celebration of flavors dancing together: the earthy sweetness of potatoes, the subtle warmth of paprika and garlic, the bright zing from balsamic vinegar, and the herby notes of thyme and oregano. This dish is perfect for both lunch and dinner, whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or hosting a casual family gathering. With only a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and a skillet that does all the heavy lifting, it really is the epitome of a healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, the leftovers taste even better after a day in the fridge—talk about bonus points for meal prep! So grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this beginner-friendly recipe that will become a staple in your culinary rotation.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO SKILLET
Before you fire up the stove, let’s take a closer look at the core components that make this dish so irresistibly delicious and nutritious. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma, turning a simple one-pan dinner into a standout meal.
- Olive oil
A fruity, heart-healthy fat that helps crisp up the chicken and gives the sweet potatoes a beautiful caramelized edge. It’s the very foundation of our skillet magic.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lean and tender, these chicken pieces soak up all the spices and cook quickly, creating juicy bites that complement the sweet potatoes flawlessly.
- Salt and black pepper
The simplest duo that elevates every ingredient, bringing out the natural flavors in the chicken, veggies, and broth.
- Paprika
Adds a subtle smokiness and rich color to the dish, deepening the flavor profile without overwhelming your palate.
- Garlic powder
A pantry staple that provides a mellow garlic essence, ensuring you get that savory kick in every bite.
- Sweet potato
The star of our sweet potato recipe—earthy, slightly sweet, and hearty, these cubes offer a comforting bite and a gorgeous pop of orange.
- Red bell pepper
Delivers vibrant color and a hint of sweetness, balancing the earthiness of the potatoes.
- Green bell pepper
Offers a slightly grassy note and crisp texture, working in tandem with the red pepper for visual and flavor contrast.
- Onion
When chopped and sautéed, it melts into the skillet, providing a savory depth that ties all the ingredients together.
- Garlic
Fresh and aromatic, minced garlic infuses the dish with that quintessential garlicky warmth that just can’t be beat.
- Dried thyme
Its subtle earthy and minty undertones complement the sweet potatoes and chicken, adding an elegant herbal touch.
- Dried oregano
Brings a peppery, slightly bitter edge that rounds out the sweeter and milder herbs.
- Chicken broth
Acts as the simmering liquid, deepening the savory base and ensuring the sweet potatoes cook through perfectly.
- Balsamic vinegar
A splash of this adds tangy sweetness and a touch of acidity, brightening all the flavors in the skillet.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled on top, it lends a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness just before serving.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO SKILLET
Bringing this one-pan wonder to life is all about layering flavors and textures in the right order. Follow these steps to ensure every element is perfectly cooked, harmoniously seasoned, and bursting with flavor.
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest while you cook the vegetables.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring now and then, until they start to soften and develop a hint of caramelized edges.
3. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 4–5 minutes, allowing the onions to turn translucent and the peppers to soften slightly.
4. Sprinkle the dried thyme and oregano evenly over the vegetables, then stir in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet to incorporate maximum flavor.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring all pieces are coated in the rich, savory liquid. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have fully melded.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Dive into your delicious Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet while it’s warm!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO SKILLET
Presenting this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is almost as fun as cooking it! Whether you’re dishing it out for a cozy midweek meal or sprucing up a casual weekend lunch, a few thoughtful touches can elevate the experience. Try contrasting the vibrant, warm hues of the skillet with a simple white plate or rustic wooden board. Serve straight from the pan family-style for that inviting, comfort-food vibe, or portion it onto individual plates for a more refined look. Don’t forget to let the dish rest for about 5 minutes off the heat—this short rest time allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to settle, giving you a more cohesive bite. Garnishing with an extra sprig of parsley or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds that glossy finish and a pop of fresh color. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after soccer practice or gathering friends for a laid-back supper, these four serving ideas will help you make every meal feel special.
- Fresh Herb Garnish
A sprinkling of chopped parsley or even a few basil leaves right before serving maintains a bright, green contrast and adds an aromatic lift.
- Serve Over Grains
Pile the skillet mixture onto a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up every last teaspoon of savory sauce and create a heartier plate.
- Creamy Drizzle
Mix a dollop of Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt, then lightly drizzle over the top for a tangy, cooling element.
- Add a Crisp Side Salad
A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers textural contrast and a refreshing palate cleanser between rich bites.
HOW TO STORE CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO SKILLET
This hearty skillet meal is as practical as it is delicious, making it a superstar for meal prep and leftovers. After cooking, let the mixture cool for about 10–15 minutes at room temperature—this prevents condensation in storage containers, which could make the dish soggy. Transfer your cooled Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet into airtight containers and label them with the date so you know when you made them. When stored properly, the dish will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, maintaining its vibrant flavors and textures. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing in individual portions is a lifesaver for those busy nights when cooking isn’t on the agenda. Be sure to leave a little headspace in the container for expansion when freezing. When it’s time to reheat, gently thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to revive the sauce. With these storage techniques, you’ll have a quick, satisfying meal ready whenever hunger strikes.
- Refrigeration
After cooling, transfer the dish to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring each portion is sealed tightly to preserve flavor.
- Freezing
Divide into meal-sized portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving a small gap at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Skillet Reheat
To reheat, warm a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of chicken broth in a skillet over low heat, then add the chilled skillet meal and stir until heated through.
- Portion Control
Store in single-serve containers to make grab-and-go lunches effortless—perfect for packing a healthy dinner alternative at the office.
CONCLUSION
Bringing together the sweet, earthy tones of potatoes with the savory richness of seasoned chicken in one skillet creates a meal that ticks every box: it’s nutritious, colorful, and endlessly comforting. Throughout this article, we’ve walked you through sourcing the key ingredients, mastering each cooking step, and exploring creative serving and storage ideas. From the initial sizzle of chicken hitting the hot oil to the final sprinkle of fresh parsley, every moment in preparing this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a reminder of how simple techniques and quality ingredients can transform weeknight cooking into an effortless celebration of flavor. Remember that this recipe is not only a stellar healthy dinner but also adapts beautifully to meal prep; you can whip up a batch on Sunday and enjoy easy weeknight meals throughout the busy week.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later so you always have a reliable guide at your fingertips. Don’t forget that there’s a handy FAQ below to answer any lingering questions about variations, substitutions, or tips on making this dish your own. I’d love to hear how your skillet turned out—drop a comment if you have questions, need help troubleshooting, or simply want to share your own twists on this sweet potato recipe. Your feedback helps me keep the kitchen conversation going and inspires fellow home cooks to dive in with confidence. Happy cooking!
Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Description
This hearty skillet dish combines tender chicken, earthy sweet potatoes, and colorful bell peppers for a delicious meal bursting with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for bustling weeknights!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they start to soften.
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Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Sprinkle the dried thyme and oregano over the vegetables, then stir in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
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Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet!
Note
- This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can add a spicy kick by incorporating cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- For an extra boost of flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
