Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash

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

A hearty dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts paired with creamy sweet potato mash seasoned with smoky Cajun spices. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium (about 1 lb) sweet potatoes, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork, then drain thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: While the potatoes cook, pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each). Rub each breast evenly with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Step 4: Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/4 cup milk. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste if needed.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and heat briefly. Spoon the Cajun-spiced sweet potato mash onto plates, place the pan-seared chicken breasts on top, and drizzle any pan juices over the dish. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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