Easy One-Pan Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner: Healthy, Quick & Flavorful

Searching for a delicious, nutritious, and incredibly easy dinner solution that your entire family will adore? Look no further than this fantastic Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner! This recipe stands out as one of those truly simple, yet bursting-with-flavor one-pan meals. It’s a high-protein dinner that comes together with minimal effort and uses straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s the perfect answer for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and wholesome without a mountain of dishes.

This dish has become a cherished family favorite in my home, often requested for second helpings of its comforting sweet potato bowls. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity: a complete, satisfying meal cooked in just one large skillet or pot. This not only makes for an effortless cooking process but also simplifies cleanup significantly. You might think healthy recipes aren’t always appealing after a long day, but this sweet potato creation is so flavorful and hearty, it will quickly become a go-to one-pot meal any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Family Favorite Recipe!

What truly makes this recipe a standout is its sheer convenience and incredible taste. Imagine: everything cooks in a single large pot, requiring just a handful of seasonings and everyday pantry staples. The result is a profoundly satisfying, hearty, and undeniably healthy meal that pleases both palates and busy schedules. This dish effortlessly combines sweet and savory notes, with tender sweet potatoes and juicy chicken enveloped in a rich, herby sauce. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but is achievable for even the most novice cooks.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner:

Crafting this flavorful sweet potato chicken dinner begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the dish’s distinct taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Sweet Potatoes: You’ll need fresh, large sweet potatoes. For best results, peel them thoroughly and then dice them into small, uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a delightful texture in every bite. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, adding a wonderful nutritional boost and natural sweetness to the dish.
• Onion: A large yellow onion, finely diced, forms the aromatic base of this dish. Yellow onions caramelize beautifully, adding a depth of savory flavor. If you don’t have yellow onion, white onion or even red onion (for a slightly sharper taste) can be used.
• Oil: A good quality olive oil or avocado oil is essential for sautéing. These oils have a high smoke point and impart a pleasant, subtle flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Use whichever healthy cooking oil you prefer or have on hand.
• Broth: Chicken broth serves as the primary cooking liquid, helping to soften the sweet potatoes and create a cohesive sauce. It infuses the dish with savory notes. For a vegetarian alternative, or if chicken broth isn’t available, vegetable broth works perfectly well.
• Seasoning: A thoughtfully balanced blend of spices is key to this dinner’s incredible flavor. You’ll need minced garlic for pungent aromatics, ground black pepper and kosher salt to enhance all the flavors, paprika for a warm, smoky sweetness, onion powder and garlic powder to boost the savory profile, and Italian seasoning for an herbaceous depth. This combination creates a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Tomatoes: To add a touch of acidity and a robust, slightly smoky flavor, a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes is ideal. These tomatoes offer a deeper, more developed taste than regular diced tomatoes. Be sure to include the juices from the can for maximum flavor.
• Chicken: For ultimate convenience, canned chicken is a fantastic choice in this recipe. It’s pre-cooked and shreddable, saving you valuable prep time. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly before adding it to the pan. For alternatives, see our tips below!
• Greens: To sneak in some extra fresh vegetables and vibrant color, chopped fresh spinach is a wonderful addition. It wilts down beautifully into the dish, adding nutrients and a mild, earthy flavor. Other leafy greens like kale can also be used.
• Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese at the end adds a salty, umami-rich finish that brings all the flavors together. Its creamy texture when melted is simply irresistible.

How to Make This Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner:

Preparing this one-pan sweet potato chicken dinner is remarkably straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and healthy meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes.

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potato Mixture

• Begin by placing a large pan or skillet on your stovetop over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up until it shimmers slightly, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the diced sweet potato and chopped onion to the pan. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. This liquid will help steam the sweet potatoes, ensuring they cook through evenly and become tender.
• Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients, then cover the pan with a lid. Allow it to cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally with a spatula to prevent sticking and ensure all the sweet potatoes soften consistently. They should be fork-tender but still hold their shape.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Additional Ingredients

• Remove the lid. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn it bitter.
• Next, add the drained diced tomatoes (including their juices), the remaining chicken broth, drained canned chicken, fresh chopped spinach, and all your chosen seasonings (pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning).
• Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the spinach begins to wilt. Let the mixture cook for another five minutes altogether, allowing the flavors to meld and the spinach to fully soften.

Step 3: Finish with Cheese

• Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the pan again for just a minute to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious layer.
• Once melted, your Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner is ready! Serve immediately and savor every hearty, flavorful bite.

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Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner

By:

Julia Pacheco

Sweet potato chicken dinner is an easy, delicious, and healthy dinner recipe the whole family will love, made in less than 45 minutes!

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

25 minutes
mins

Total:

35 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

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Equipment

• Large pot or skillet

Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  large sweet potatoes,
  diced small

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  large yellow onion,
  diced

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  tbsp
  olive oil

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ½ + ⅓
  cup
  chicken broth,
  divided

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tbsp
  minced garlic

• 
  ▢
  
  
  14
  oz
  can fire roasted diced tomatoes

• 
  ▢
  
  
  12
  oz
  can chicken,
  drained

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  cups
  fresh spinach,
  chopped

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp
  pepper

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp
  salt

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp
  paprika

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp
  onion powder

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp
  garlic powder

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tsp
  Italian seasoning

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ½
  cup
  Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook sweet potato mixture:

• To a large pan on the stove over medium heat, add the olive oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add in the sweet potato, onion, and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth to the pan.
• Stir and cover with a lid. Let cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally with a spatula to soften the sweet potatoes.

Add seasoning and additional ingredients:

• Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, remaining broth, canned chicken, spinach, seasonings, stir everything together, and let cook for five minutes altogether.

​Add cheese:

• Finally, add in the Parmesan cheese, let it melt for a minute, then serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories:
372
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
46
g

|

Protein:
22
g

|

Fat:
12
g

|

Saturated Fat:
3
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g

|

Cholesterol:
47
mg

|

Sodium:
1540
mg

|

Potassium:
778
mg

|

Fiber:
8
g

|

Sugar:
12
g

|

Vitamin A:
26278
IU

|

Vitamin C:
14
mg

|

Calcium:
272
mg

|

Iron:
3
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Tips for a Perfect Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner:

Chicken Options for Versatility:

While I particularly enjoy the convenience of canned chicken in this recipe – it’s a fantastic shortcut that keeps the meal simple and eliminates an extra cooking step – you have several options to suit your preferences. Feel free to use shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken for similar ease, or cook up some fresh chicken breasts or thighs. If using fresh chicken, simply dice it into bite-sized pieces and sauté it in a little oil before adding the sweet potatoes and onions. Cook until it’s lightly browned and almost cooked through, then proceed with the recipe as directed. This adaptability makes the dish even more appealing.

Making it Even Easier with Pre-Cut Sweet Potato Cubes:

To further streamline your prep time, consider using pre-cut and peeled sweet potato cubes. Many grocery stores offer these in the produce section, saving you from peeling and dicing. This is a game-changer on extremely busy nights! Additionally, frozen sweet potato cubes can also work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that they might release a bit more water and could require an extra minute or two of cooking to become perfectly tender. No need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them to the pan as instructed.

Delicious Toppings for Your Sweet Potato Bowls:

While this sweet potato chicken dinner is incredibly flavorful on its own, adding a few toppings can elevate it to a new level of deliciousness and customization. Here are some fantastic ideas to garnish your bowls:

• Black Beans: A rinse and drained can of black beans adds extra protein, fiber, and a lovely earthy texture.
• Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: A dollop of either adds a cooling, creamy tang that beautifully balances the savory and sweet flavors of the dish. Greek yogurt offers a healthier, higher-protein alternative.
• Chopped Green Onions: These provide a mild oniony crunch and a pop of fresh green color.
• Fresh Cilantro: A scattering of fresh chopped cilantro brightens the entire dish with its vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
• Avocado Slices or Guacamole: For a rich, creamy, and healthy fat addition, avocado is an excellent choice.
• A Dash of Hot Sauce: If you enjoy a little heat, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add a delightful kick.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta can offer a salty, briny flavor that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.

Meal Prep and Serving Suggestions:

This recipe is excellent for meal prepping! You can chop your sweet potatoes and onions ahead of time, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked dish also reheats wonderfully. Serve this hearty meal on its own, or pair it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices for an even more fulfilling dinner.

How to Store Leftover Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner:

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness of this healthy dinner recipe for days to come. It’s perfect for packed lunches or quick reheated dinners.

Fridge: Once your meal has cooled completely to room temperature, scoop any remains into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm gently in a skillet on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using your preferred method (microwave or stovetop) until piping hot.

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this sweet potato chicken dinner, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our easy dinner recipes. We specialize in family-friendly meals that are quick, healthy, and delicious, making weeknight cooking a breeze. Here are a few more favorites:

Quick Links for Making Dinner Easy:

To further assist you in creating effortless and enjoyable meals for your family, here are some valuable resources:

• Discover Stress-Free Family Meal Plans
• Essential Kitchen Tools and More
• The Ultimate Cookbook for Family Dinner Recipes
• Get Your FREE Budget Meal Plan
• Watch Our Inspiring Cooking Videos

We hope this detailed guide to our One-Pan Sweet Potato Chicken Dinner inspires you to create a delightful and healthy meal tonight. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to form something extraordinary. If you give this recipe a try, or any of our other easy dinner ideas, we would absolutely love to hear from you! Make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and share how much you enjoyed the flavors!