Chicken Sweet Potato Recipe

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.