Description
A flavorful and hearty one-pan chicken and sweet potato skillet recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with caramelized sweet potatoes, onions, and aromatic herbs, cooked all in one skillet for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to ensure the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and caramelize, which brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and optional chili flakes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s flavor complexity.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the dish. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with lemon juice if desired, garnish with additional fresh herbs, and serve hot for a wholesome and balanced meal.
Notes
- If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, adjust cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to not fully cook the chicken during searing to retain juiciness during the final simmer.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better caramelization.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
