Some nights, you need a dinner that feels like a warm hug without the mountain of dishes. This chicken sweet potato recipe is exactly that—a one-pan wonder that’s ready before you know it.
It’s one of those hearty, wholesome meals that just makes everyone at the table happy. And the best part? You’ll probably only have to wash one skillet.
Why You’ll Make This On Repeat
Let’s be honest, a good weeknight dinner has to check a few specific boxes. It needs to be fast, forgiving, and flavorful.
This recipe, honestly, nails all three. You get tender chicken, sweet, creamy potatoes, and a pop of fresh green asparagus, all in under 30 minutes.
The process is straightforward, and the result feels special. It’s a meal that proves simple ingredients can create something truly delicious.
I find myself coming back to it whenever the fridge needs a clean-out or I just crave something reliably good.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to pull this colorful meal together. The list is short, and each item plays a key role.
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the savory flavors.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and creating a lovely base in the pan.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves add a pungent, aromatic depth that’s irreplaceable.
- Sweet Potato: Diced small for even cooking; it brings a natural sweetness and hearty texture.
- Chicken Broth: A splash helps steam the sweet potatoes to perfection, adding a subtle savory note.
- Asparagus: Provides a crisp, fresh contrast and a beautiful green color.
- Salt, Black Pepper & Crushed Red Pepper: These seasonings build layers of flavor, from basic savoriness to a gentle, optional heat.
How to make Chicken Sweet Potato Recipe?
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each step builds flavor. Just follow along, and you’ll have a complete meal in no time.
Step 1 – Prep and Sear the Chicken
Start by dicing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the garlic, then the chicken. Let it sit for a minute to get a nice sear before stirring.
Step 2 – Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Once the chicken is cooked through, set it aside on a plate. In that same, now-flavorful skillet, add the diced sweet potato and chicken broth.
Cover the skillet with a lid. This traps the steam, which softens the potatoes surprisingly fast—usually in about 7 to 10 minutes.
Step 3 – Add the Asparagus
When the sweet potatoes are just tender, uncover the pan and stir in your asparagus pieces.
Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for tender-crisp spears with a bright green color.
Step 4 – Bring It All Together
Now, return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Give everything a good, gentle stir to combine.
Finish by tasting and adjusting the seasoning with an extra pinch of salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper.
Simple Swaps and Variations
The beauty of a skillet meal is its flexibility. If you don’t have asparagus, green beans or broccoli florets work beautifully.
Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute for breast, offering even more flavor and juiciness. For the sweet potato, you could use cubed butternut squash.
And if you want a different spice profile, swap the red pepper for a teaspoon of smoked paprika. It adds a warm, smoky note that’s just wonderful.
Feel free to toss in a handful of spinach at the very end, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Tips
- Cut Evenly: Dicing the sweet potato into uniform, small pieces ensures they all cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Crowd the Chicken: Give the chicken pieces a little space in the pan so they brown instead of steam.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and chicken in advance, storing them separately in the fridge to make dinner even faster.
- Use the Lid: Covering the skillet when cooking the sweet potatoes is crucial—it speeds up the cooking time significantly.
- Season at the End: Always do a final taste and season just before serving. This is how you make the flavors truly sing.
What to Serve With Your Skillet
This dish is a complete meal on its own, straight from the pan. But sometimes, you want a little something extra on the side.
A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For a heartier option, serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice.
A sprinkle of toasted almonds or sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch. And a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end can brighten up the whole dish.
Really, though, it’s wonderfully satisfying all by itself, with a fork and maybe some crusty bread for the sauce.
Storing Your Leftovers
Any leftovers store beautifully, making them perfect for tomorrow’s lunch. Let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. To reheat, a quick stir in a skillet over medium heat works best, though the microwave is just fine.
You can also freeze this meal for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
The sweet potatoes may soften a bit more, but the flavor will still be fantastic—a true lifesaver on a busy day.
Chicken Sweet Potato Recipe
Description
This Chicken Sweet Potato Recipe comes together in 30 minutes with just one pan! It's packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables for a hearty, wholesome, and delicious weeknight meal that everyone will love. Minimal prep, easy clean-up, and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and black pepper. -
Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and seasoned chicken pieces. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. -
Cook Sweet Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potato and chicken broth (or water). Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. The steam from the covered pan helps them cook quickly. -
Add Asparagus
Add the chopped asparagus to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Cook uncovered for 4-5 minutes, until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp. -
Combine and Season
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Season with fine sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 315kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10gg16%
- Saturated Fat 2gg10%
- Trans Fat 0gg
- Cholesterol 85mgmg29%
- Sodium 680mgmg29%
- Potassium 920mgmg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 22gg8%
- Dietary Fiber 5gg20%
- Sugars 6gg
- Protein 33gg66%
- Calcium 6% mg
- Iron 15% mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Prep Ahead: Wash and chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your taste. For a smoky flavor without heat, use smoked paprika instead.
- Don't Skip the Lid: Covering the skillet when cooking the sweet potatoes is key to speeding up their cooking time.
- Asparagus Tip: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus stalks before chopping for the best texture.
