Cozy Rustic Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe for Fall

Comfort flows through every bite of this hearty chicken and sweet potato skillet that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces mingle beautifully with golden-brown sweet potato chunks, creating a one-pan wonder that speaks to rustic home cooking.

Fragrant herbs and simple seasonings dance across the surface, inviting you to savor each delectable forkful.

The skillet method locks in rich flavors, ensuring every ingredient shines with its natural goodness.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special with this effortless yet delicious meal.

Weeknight cooks will love how quickly this dish comes together, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings.

Dive into a meal that feels like a warm embrace straight from the kitchen.

Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs amazing flavors from seasonings.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of chicken.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet undertones with a vibrant red color.
• Cumin: Introduces earthy, nutty depth to the dish with its distinctive aromatic profile.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking surface and infuses a subtle Mediterranean richness into the skillet.

• Sweet Potato: Brings natural sweetness, creamy texture, and robust nutritional value to the meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Cookware That Handles This Skillet Meal Best

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating a one-pan meal with deep flavor.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for slicing chicken into even pieces.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and move ingredients around the skillet easily.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for adding precise amounts of spices like salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
• Tongs: Great for handling and flipping chicken pieces safely during cooking.

Instructions for a Savory Sweet Potato Chicken Dish

• Sear Chicken Pieces Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop in chicken and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the outside turns a beautiful golden brown but the inside remains slightly uncooked.
• Remove and Rest Transfer the seared chicken onto a clean plate, letting it sit while you prepare the next stage of cooking. The brief resting period helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Caramelize Sweet Potatoes In the same skillet, add diced sweet potatoes. Allow them to cook undisturbed for several minutes, creating a delicious caramelized exterior with crispy edges.
• Combine and Finish Return the chicken back to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Stir gently to blend flavors and ensure everything cooks evenly. Continue cooking until the chicken is completely done and the sweet potatoes are soft and golden.
• Garnish and Serve Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The bright green will add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your skillet meal. Serve hot directly from the pan for a rustic, homestyle presentation.

Ways to Boost the Sauce, Herbs, or Veggies

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown crust and lock in those delicious spices, creating a more intense taste profile.
• Prep chicken and sweet potatoes earlier in the day, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknight cooking.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions – just double-check your spice blend ingredients.
• Easily substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or white fish for a versatile meal that keeps things interesting and accommodates different preferences.
• Adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes or using a mild or hot paprika, letting you customize the dish to your family's taste buds.

Serve Straight from Skillet or Over Rice

• Hearty Family Meal Centerpiece: Serve this skillet directly in the cast-iron pan for a rustic, homestyle presentation that keeps the food warm and inviting at the dinner table.
• Nutrient-Packed Grain Companion: Pair with fluffy quinoa or brown rice to absorb the delicious pan juices and create a complete, balanced meal with added protein and fiber.
• Fresh Green Accent: Top with chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions to add a bright, crisp flavor contrast and a pop of color that elevates the dish's visual appeal.
• Zesty Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick yogurt-based sauce with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs on the side for guests to drizzle or dip their chicken and sweet potato pieces, adding an extra layer of tangy freshness.

Keep It Fresh with Proper Storage Tactics

• Divide leftovers into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week, keeping portions balanced and convenient.
• Store cooked chicken and sweet potato skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freeze unused portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, maintaining the dish's original delicious texture and taste.

Rustic Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty homemade chicken and sweet potato skillet brings comfort straight from Southern kitchens to dinner tables. Rustic cast-iron magic combines tender chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll savor with genuine delight.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water (to help soften the potatoes)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sizzle Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until golden and slightly charred, ensuring a flavorful exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
2. Prepare Base: Introduce diced sweet potatoes, minced garlic, and chopped onions to the same skillet. Stir and sauté until potatoes begin to soften and develop caramelized edges, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Combine and Simmer: Return partially cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces among the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle additional paprika and cumin for depth of flavor. Cover and cook on reduced heat, allowing the ingredients to meld and chicken to complete cooking, creating a harmonious one-pan meal.
4. Final Touch: Uncover the skillet and let any remaining liquid reduce, concentrating the flavors. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of brightness and visual appeal. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting dining experience.

Notes

• Use medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning the spices, ensuring even cooking and rich flavor development.
• Pat chicken dry before adding spices to help them adhere better and create a more intense, crispy exterior during cooking.
• Remove chicken when just browned to avoid drying out, as it will continue cooking later in the skillet with other ingredients.
• Use a heavy-bottomed cast iron or stainless steel skillet to distribute heat evenly and create a perfect sear on the chicken pieces.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg