Are you craving a mouthwatering one-pan meal that combines crispy, golden chicken with perfectly caramelized sweet potatoes? Look no further! This Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that promises maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Imagine tender chicken thighs with crackling skin, nestled on a bed of sweet, caramelized potatoes that soak up every delicious bit of flavor - this recipe is a game-changer that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet, allowing them to cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping warm.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with onions and absorb remaining oil and chicken drippings.
- Cook sweet potato mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them on top of the sweet potato mixture to reheat.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the dish for added aroma and flavor.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, ensuring each plate gets a chicken thigh and a generous portion of sweet potato mixture.
Tips
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure the crispiest skin possible.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution and beautiful caramelization.
- Don't rush the chicken cooking process - letting it cook undisturbed creates that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Let the sweet potatoes develop a light caramelization by not over-stirring during cooking.
- Fresh thyme is optional but adds a wonderful aromatic touch to the final dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
