One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that brings together savory chicken, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies all in one pan, the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. Not only is it gloriously colorful and nutritious, but every bite is loaded with comforting flavors and a subtle kick of spices. The real magic happens with that caramelized sweet potato and perfectly seasoned chicken mingling together — and the best part? Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a dish that truly satisfies!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet relies on humble, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role, building layers of warmth, color, and irresistible taste.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and lean protein that absorbs flavors incredibly well.
- Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness and velvety texture are the perfect base for soaking up savory spices.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a brilliant splash of color plus a sweet, fresh crunch that brightens up the whole skillet.
- Red onion: Provides a mild, slightly tangy background note that enhances the other flavors.
- Garlic: Three cloves bring aromatic depth and make everything taste more vibrant.
- Olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly while adding that irresistible richness.
- Smoked paprika: Lends the chicken a delicious smokiness and gorgeous golden hue.
- Dried thyme: Infuses the skillet with rustic, herby undertones that pair perfectly with poultry and sweet potatoes.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors to life.
- Black pepper: Offers a touch of gentle heat and depth.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a subtle background heat, just a hint of this makes the meal pop.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A last-minute sprinkle for color and a burst of spring-fresh flavor.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and let them sizzle, stirring now and then. Those 8 to 10 minutes are where the magic starts — the outsides get slightly crisp and golden, while the insides begin to soften. Make sure your pan isn’t too crowded so the pieces caramelize instead of steaming.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, add your bite-sized chicken pieces directly to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne if you like a bit of fire. Give everything a hearty toss and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, just enough for the chicken to develop a gorgeous, golden-rust crust and lock in those spices.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Aromatics
Toss in the diced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and your minced garlic. The skillet will look wonderfully full and colorful! Cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, stirring here and there, until the chicken is completely cooked through and the veggies are wonderfully soft. The onion and garlic will infuse everything with sweetness and warmth.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Take your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet off the heat and, if you’re feeling fancy, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve the dish straight from the pan while it’s piping hot. Every forkful is delightfully hearty and jam-packed with flavor!
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley wakes up the whole dish with a burst of color. For an extra zing, a few drops of lemon juice or a featherlight drizzle of balsamic glaze over each portion really elevates those sweet and savory flavors in the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also plays beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette, fluffy quinoa, or some steamed green beans for extra crunch and color. Warm crusty bread wouldn’t be out of place either, especially for savoring any flavorful juices left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have a little fun, serve the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet in small cast-iron pans or colorful shallow bowls for a rustic, homestyle feel. You could even stuff leftovers into warm pitas or tortillas for a next-day lunch that feels entirely new and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the skillet cool to room temperature before spooning everything into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, your One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet will keep well for up to four days, making it ideal for meal prepping or quick grab-and-go lunches.
Freezing
This dish actually handles freezing quite well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and let it fully cool before popping them in the freezer. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. Just label the containers so you can easily spot that dinner is sorted.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your portion in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a quick swirl of olive oil to keep things juicy. Alternatively, you can microwave it (covered) in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. The flavors develop even more after a day, so leftovers are a total treat!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and rich flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cook time slightly, since thighs may need a couple more minutes to cook through completely.
Is the One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The optional cayenne pepper brings a gentle heat, but you can easily leave it out for a family-friendly, mild version. Smoked paprika contributes a warm flavor without being hot.
What other vegetables could I add?
Feel free to toss in chopped zucchini, spinach, kale, or even mushrooms. Just try to cut any additional veggies to a similar size for even cooking, and add them at the right time so they’re perfectly tender.
Can I meal prep this dish?
One hundred percent! The One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is meal prep perfection — it stores beautifully and reheats without losing its texture or flavor, making it perfect for work lunches or busy nights.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to check that the chicken pieces are cooked through without any pink in the middle. For extra certainty, you can use a meat thermometer — chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet, you’ll see why it earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s bright, nourishing, and so simple — all with just one pan to clean. I can’t wait for you to taste how those cozy flavors come together. Give it a go tonight and let this skillet meal work its weeknight magic!
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One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies in one delicious meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sweet potatoes and cook until beginning to soften.
- Cook Chicken: Add chicken, seasonings, and cook until browned.
- Add Vegetables: Include bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook until chicken is done and veggies are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Consider using chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Enhance flavor with lemon juice or balsamic glaze.
- Great for meal prep and reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg