This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a healthy, one-pan meal packed with juicy chicken, tender sweet potatoes, and savory spices. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. With a balance of protein, fiber, and delicious flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup and easy preparation.
- Nutritious & Filling – High in protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes for a hassle-free dinner.
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or seasonings.
- Great for Meal Prep – Perfect for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
- Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- Olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Bell peppers (diced, any color)
- Spinach or kale (optional for extra greens)
- Chicken broth (for added moisture)
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Crumbled feta or Parmesan for extra flavor
- A squeeze of lime or lemon juice for brightness
- Avocado slices for creaminess
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
Directions

Cook the Chicken:
- Heat Oil – In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Chicken – Add the chicken, season with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes & Veggies:
- Sauté Onion & Garlic – In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sweet Potatoes – Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add Bell Peppers – Stir in the bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
Combine Everything:
- Return Chicken to the Skillet – Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to combine.
- Simmer & Finish – Pour in a little chicken broth and let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld.
- Add Greens (Optional) – Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish & Serve – Top with fresh herbs, feta, or avocado, and serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
- Mediterranean Style – Toss in olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken & Sweet Potatoes – Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness.
- Mexican-Inspired – Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
- Low-Carb Option – Swap sweet potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last few minutes of cooking.
How do I prevent sweet potatoes from getting mushy?
Cook them over medium heat and stir occasionally to keep their texture.
Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time slightly, as white potatoes may take longer to soften.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work well too.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes! Feta, Parmesan, or shredded cheddar make great additions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken first, then add the sweet potatoes and cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with a side salad, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or warm crusty bread.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, but they may cook faster. Reduce the cooking time slightly.
How do I make this dish more filling?
Add chickpeas, beans, or serve over rice for extra heartiness.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a fast, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! With tender chicken, hearty sweet potatoes, and bold seasonings, it’s a one-pan dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Try it today and enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal!
PrintChicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, sweet potatoes, and warming spices. It’s nutritious, naturally gluten-free, and packed with flavor—great for meal prep or a cozy dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water (to help soften the potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin, and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned but not fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Add sweet potatoes and onion, cooking for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder (if using), and a splash of chicken broth to help soften the potatoes.
- Cover and cook for 5 more minutes, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Combine & Finish
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/75°C).
- Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve warm!
Notes
- Want extra greens? Add spinach or kale in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Prefer a creamier dish? Stir in ¼ cup coconut milk for a slightly creamy texture.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.