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Sweet Potato Skillet Songbird Recipe

Sweet Potato Skillet Songbird Recipe 5 Secrets to One-Pan Perfection


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Sweet Potato Skillet Songbird Recipe is a harmonious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and a melody of herbs and spices. Everything cooks in one skillet for effortless weeknight comfort with restaurant-quality flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

MAIN INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces

2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cubed into 3/4-inch pieces

1 large onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1/2 cup chicken broth

SEASONING:

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

FINISHING:

2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Fresh parsley for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving


Instructions

1. Pat chicken completely dry and cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. Season with half of the spice mixture. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

2. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 3/4-inch pieces. Dice onion and bell pepper. Mince garlic. Combine all seasoning spices in small bowl.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato cubes in single layer. Cook without stirring 4-5 minutes until golden-brown on bottom. Stir and cook another 4-5 minutes until mostly tender and browned.

4. Push sweet potatoes to edges of skillet. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to center. Add seasoned chicken in single layer. Cook 3-4 minutes without moving until golden brown. Flip and cook 3 more minutes.

5. Add diced onion and bell pepper to skillet, stirring to combine. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften. Add garlic and remaining spice mixture. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

6. Pour chicken broth over everything, scraping up browned bits from bottom. Bring to simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and chicken reaches 165°F.

7. Add chopped spinach or kale and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

8. Remove from heat and let rest 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry for proper browning – moisture prevents caramelization.

Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 3/4-inch cubes for even cooking.

Don’t stir sweet potatoes constantly – let them caramelize undisturbed first.

Use instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.

Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts but both work well.

A 12-inch skillet with lid is ideal for this recipe.

Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat with splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Add quicker-cooking vegetables (zucchini, tomatoes) in last 5 minutes only.

Recipe easily doubles – use very large skillet or divide between two pans.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Main Dish, One-Pan Meals
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 625mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: sweet potato skillet, one pan chicken, skillet dinner, chicken and sweet potatoes, easy weeknight dinner, one pan meal