If you’re looking for a flavorful, hearty one-pan meal that’s both comforting and colorful, this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly combines tender, juicy chicken with the natural sweetness of diced sweet potatoes and vibrant bell peppers, all cooked together with a lovely blend of herbs and a touch of tang from balsamic vinegar. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that feels a little special without any fuss, this recipe hits the balance just right and will soon become one of your go-to dishes.

Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple when it comes to ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. From the sweet softness of sweet potatoes to the savory seasoning on the chicken, everything comes together to create a dish that tastes far more complex than the ingredient list suggests.

2 tablespoons olive oil: The perfect base to cook the chicken and veggies, adding richness and helping everything crisp up nicely.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and juicy texture.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple but crucial for seasoning every component perfectly.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky hint to the chicken.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings an extra layer of savory depth.
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced: Offers natural sweetness and a creamy contrast to the proteins and spices.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brightens the dish with vibrant color and sweetness.
1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds a fresh, slightly tangy snap to balance the other flavors.
1 small onion, chopped: Provides a savory base note and a bit of bite.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts aromatic punch and richness.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness that complements the chicken beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings herbal brightness and complexity.
1 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and helps meld the flavors.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: A faint tang that brightens and lifts the overall taste.
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: A fresh, leafy finish with just a hint of color.

How to Make Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms up, season your chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning pack ensures each bite is full of flavor. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook it until the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, which usually takes around 7 to 8 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for the moment.

Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes

Using the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to pick up all those caramelized bits left behind by the chicken—flavor gold! Add the diced sweet potatoes next and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want them to start softening but still hold some bite so they don’t turn mushy later on. Stir occasionally to keep them cooking evenly.

Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers, Onion, and Garlic

Now it’s time to brighten things up with your colorful peppers and aromatic onion along with minced garlic. Toss them into the skillet and stir everything together. Let this mixture cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but remain vibrant and fresh in texture. This layering of ingredients builds fantastic depth in both taste and appearance.

Step 4: Spice it Up and Add Liquids

Sprinkle the dried thyme and oregano over the veggies, giving a good stir to spread those fragrant herbs around. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and the balsamic vinegar, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. These ingredients not only add moisture but also help bind all the flavors together in a delicate balance of savory and tangy notes.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer Until Tender

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and mix everything together well. Cover the skillet with a lid, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the sweet potatoes will become tender and all the wonderful flavors will meld into a harmonious, hearty dish that’s bursting with personality.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of bright color and a touch of freshness. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite of your Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe.

How to Serve Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the star garnish here—it not only adds a lovely green contrast to the warm colors but also offers a subtle herbal note that lifts the whole dish. If you like, a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra brightness or a hint of heat to tailor this meal to your taste.

Side Dishes

This skillet is rich and filling on its own, but if you want to round out your plate, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans would be a perfect fresh complement. A scoop of creamy mashed cauliflower or fluffy quinoa can add extra texture while keeping things wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe in warm pita pockets or alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice for a heartier presentation that feels cozy and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your leftover Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more, when reheated.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When frozen, the sweet potatoes might soften a bit more once reheated, but the overall taste remains just as wonderful.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave—just cover the dish to retain steam and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add an extra layer of juiciness and richness, which pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

If you want a different twist, butternut squash or regular potatoes can work well as substitutes. Keep in mind they have different cooking times and sweetness levels, so adjust accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels to be sure.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian or vegan version.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy at all—it’s more about savory warmth and a hint of smokiness from the paprika. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want a little kick.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of comforting, colorful vegetables and perfectly seasoned chicken that cooks up fast and doesn’t pile on the cleanup. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will soon feel like a trusted classic in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite in no time!

Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.1 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A hearty and flavorful Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with sweet potatoes and colorful bell peppers, seasoned with aromatic herbs and simmered in a savory broth for a comforting one-pan meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables

1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Liquids

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they start to soften.
Add Vegetables: Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add Herbs and Liquids: Sprinkle the dried thyme and oregano over the vegetables, then stir in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet!

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred; they tend to be juicier.
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute.
Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed greens or a simple green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American