Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potatoes

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

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A hearty pan-seared chicken breast paired with roasted sweet potatoes tossed in a smoky Cajun spice blend for a flavorful dinner. This American-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs chicken breast, sweet potatoes, olive oil 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Peel and cut 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and slightly crispy on edges.
  2. Step 2: While the sweet potatoes roast, pat dry 2 pieces of 6 oz chicken breasts and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Plate the chicken alongside the roasted Cajun sweet potatoes, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Potatoes?

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 breast from drying out.

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

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 Potatoes 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potatoes gluten free?

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

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