Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
A flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices paired with tender roasted sweet potatoes. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the sweet potatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, rub 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) with 1 tbsp olive oil, remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, coating all sides.
- Step 4: After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 15 minutes, remove the sheet from oven and push sweet potatoes to one side. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the empty side.
- Step 5: Return the sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 20-25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let chicken rest 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes?
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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes?
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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes 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.