Name: Harvest Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet (Maple Dijon)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing); 1 onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; to taste salt and pepper; 1/4 cup maple syrup (star ingredient for subtle sweetness); 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds tang and balances sweetness); 1 cup vegetable broth (keeps dish moist and flavorful); 2 cups fresh spinach (stirred in at the end)

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There’s something truly comforting about a one-pan meal that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of tangy magic all in one skillet. The Harvest Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet (Maple Dijon) is exactly that — a vibrant, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, golden sweet potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a luscious maple Dijon sauce that elevates every bite. Cozy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests, this recipe is a celebration of fall flavors, perfectly balanced and simple to prepare. Whether you’re craving a wholesome dinner or looking to add a new favorite to your recipe box, this skillet has you covered.

Top Reasons to Make Harvest Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet (Maple Dijon)

One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked in a single skillet.
Balanced nutrition: Protein-packed chicken paired with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and spinach.
Seasonal flavors: The earthy thyme and rosemary combined with maple syrup and Dijon mustard create a taste that’s both warming and vibrant.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite herbs or greens.

What to Buy

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture and taste.
2 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
1 onion: Diced to add sweetness and depth.
3 cloves garlic: Minced for aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Provides a fragrant pine-like aroma.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all flavors.
1/4 cup maple syrup: The star ingredient for that subtle sweetness.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds tang and balances the sweetness.
1 cup vegetable broth: Keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
2 cups fresh spinach: Stirred in at the end for freshness and color.

Gear Checklist

Large skillet or sauté pan: Preferably non-stick or cast iron for even heat distribution.
Sharp knife: For dicing sweet potatoes and onion.
Cutting board: Clean and sturdy.
Measuring spoons and cups: For precise ingredient amounts.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and sauté without scratching your skillet.
Mixing bowl: Optional, for combining maple syrup and Dijon mustard.

Directions: Harvest Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet (Maple Dijon)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the diced sweet potatoes, stirring to coat them with the oil and residual chicken flavors. Season with a little extra salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add Sauce Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook Through

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the sweet potatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish

Remove the cover and stir in the fresh spinach, which will wilt quickly in the residual heat. Allow the spinach to incorporate for 1-2 minutes, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the chicken, sweet potatoes, and spinach onto plates, spooning extra sauce over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

Add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
Include chopped fresh sage instead of rosemary for a different herbal twist.
Stir in toasted pecans for crunch and richness—think of a Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans vibe.
Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Cook’s Notes

For even cooking, try to dice the sweet potatoes uniformly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the sauce uncovered until it reduces to your liking.
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard, but add these greens earlier as they take longer to soften.
If you want to experiment, this skillet technique works wonderfully with other root vegetables like parsnips or carrots.

Storage & Reheat Guide

This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving is also fine; just cover loosely to retain moisture.

Ask & Learn

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Dijon mustard is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and marinade the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before cooking for best freshness.

What can I serve with this Harvest Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet (Maple Dijon)?

This skillet pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed rice, or even roasted vegetables. If you love one-pan meals, you might enjoy the Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken Fingerlings for another maple mustard-inspired dish.

Final Thoughts

This Harvest Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet (Maple Dijon) is a true celebration of autumn’s best flavors, combining sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness with the tangy punch of Dijon and the subtle richness of maple syrup. The layers of herbs and fresh spinach bring brightness and balance, making every forkful satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re new to skillet meals or a seasoned home cook, this dish is a wonderful addition to your repertoire — wholesome, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. Next time you need a warm, inviting dinner, this skillet will be waiting to impress.

Fall in love with the ease and elegance of this harvest-inspired meal and enjoy every comforting bite.

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