One-Pot Chicken with Sweet Potato and Kale

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered with roasted sweet potatoes and wilted kale in a herb-infused broth, ready in 40 minutes. This american-inspired one pot (whole30) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, kale for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (patted dry) with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, then place skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced large onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon dried thyme, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 peeled and diced medium sweet potatoes (1/2-inch cubes) to the skillet, stirring to coat. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, then add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Uncover, add 4 cups chopped kale (stems removed), and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 3 more minutes until kale is wilted and sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken thighs from the skillet and set aside. Serve the sweet potatoes and vegetables with the chicken, drizzling with the pan sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Chicken with Sweet Potato and Kale take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Chicken with Sweet Potato and Kale?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken with Sweet Potato and Kale?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Chicken with Sweet Potato and Kale for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is One-Pot Chicken with Sweet Potato and Kale whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying