Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Spiced Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection paired with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes and a vibrant avocado salsa with smoky spices. This whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, large, diced avocado, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While sweet potatoes roast, pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and rest.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine 1 large diced avocado, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Season with a pinch of salt and gently toss to make the spiced avocado salsa.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pan-seared chicken thighs alongside roasted sweet potatoes topped with the avocado salsa for a balanced Whole30 meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Spiced Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Spiced Avocado Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Spiced Avocado Salsa?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Spiced Avocado Salsa 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Spiced Avocado Salsa whole30?

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

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