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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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