Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Skillet has all your favorite fall flavors: caramel sweet potatoes, candied pecans, and cranberries! Everything comes together in 40 minutes to create a warm and wonderful autumn-inspired chicken recipe.
This fall chicken recipe is full of Autumnal flavor. It is also family-friendly, and definitely a crowd-pleaser, all you need to make this wonderful dish is just a few ingredients and forty minutes of your time.
Ingredients you'll need
- Chicken thighs - I used skinless boneless chicken thighs. If using bone in thighs - they are wonderful too.
- Seasonings, salt, and pepper - you will dredge the chicken in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Olive oil - I use olive oil for flavor.
- Sweet potatoes - because they are the Autumnal flavor!
- Dried Cranberries - I recommend using dried cranberries:).
- Pecans - for a super Fall flavor!
- Honey - for extra flavor.
- Fresh thyme - for garnish
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper each
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning oregano, thyme and basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless
- 1 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup pecans
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Preparation
- Prepare a large bowl, add olive oil, honey, and salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Add chicken, potatoes, pecans and cranberries. Use your hands to coat the chicken pieces and everything else.
Assembly
- Arrange the seasoned thighs in a skillet. Spread the rest of the ingredients around them.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are fork tender.
- Serve with fresh thyme.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken thighs work best for tenderness and quick cooking. You can use bone-in thighs for extra flavor but plan for longer cooking times.
- Season generously: Don't be shy with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning blend. Dredging the chicken and mixing the sweet potatoes with these seasonings ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Coat everything well: Use your hands to evenly coat chicken, potatoes, pecans, and cranberries in the oil, honey, and seasoning mixture. This helps the flavors meld and gives the potatoes a nice glaze.
- Use oven safe skillet: A wide cast-iron or oven-safe skillet ensures even cooking and allows ingredients to spread out, caramelize, and roast properly.
- Don't rush bake time: Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and potatoes are tender. Resist opening the oven too often for best results.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead?
A: Yes, but breasts cook faster and can dry out easily. Reduce baking time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Potatoes came out too mushy
Use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding and allow roasting.
My chicken came out too dry
Use thighs and not chicken breasts for more juiciness and monitor internal temp closely.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, using olive oil instead of butter, so no changes needed!
Can I add extra vegetables?
This is the most flavorful combination of colors and textures. It's easy to make and can be served as a whole meal! Add-on options include spinach, mushrooms, walnuts, and more.
Storage, making ahead
Prepare the ingredients and seasonings, then refrigerate separately. Combine and bake just before serving.
Judy says
I made this last night and we loved it! I doubled the recipe and we had a guest for dinner…all agreed that it’s a keeper!!
Olya says
That's so wonderful to hear, Judy