Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash

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

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with warming spices. This american-inspired easter ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sweet potatoes, ground cinnamon 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large pot of salted water (1/2 tsp salt) and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork, then drain.
  2. Step 2: While the potatoes cook, pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and tent with foil to rest.
  4. Step 4: Return drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Plate the rested chicken breasts alongside a generous scoop of the spiced sweet potato mash and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with 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 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 sweet potatoes from drying out.

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

American easter 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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