Dutch Oven or Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating the base of the dish.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Colander: Useful for draining cooked chicken if needed.
Cooking Crustless Chicken and Sweet Potato with Ease
Hearty Sweet Potato Chicken Comfort
Veggie Foundation Create a flavorful base by sautéing aromatic onions, carrots, and celery in butter over gentle heat. Let these vegetables soften and release their delicious aroma, allowing the kitchen to fill with warmth. Toss in fresh garlic during the final moments for an extra flavor punch.
Silky Texture Magic Dust the softened vegetables with a light coating of flour, stirring carefully to ensure even coverage. This step transforms the mixture, preparing it for a luxurious, creamy consistency.
Liquid Harmony Gradually introduce chicken stock and milk, creating a smooth, velvety liquid. Fold in sweet potatoes and herbs, letting them dance together. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, allowing the potatoes to become tender and absorb all the rich flavors.
Final Flavor Fusion Gently incorporate cooked chicken, vibrant peas, and fresh herbs into the bubbling mixture. Let everything mingle and warm through, creating a harmonious, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Tips for Making the Dish More Flavorful
Cozy Kitchen Secrets: Chicken and Sweet Potato Comfort
Vegetable Swap Magic: Replace sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or butternut squash for a different flavor profile. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips add delightful unexpected depth.
Protein Power Play: Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience, or swap with turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu for diverse meal options.
Spice It Up: Experiment with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to introduce a gentle heat. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can elevate the dish's aromatic complexity.
Make-Ahead Brilliance: This one-pot wonder tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat on stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock to maintain creamy consistency.
Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains rich, comforting flavors.
How to Serve Crustless Chicken and Sweet Potato
Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the dinner table, this hearty dish brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for quick, nutritious lunches during the work week or school days.
Veggie Boost Variation: Customize by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add exciting texture.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage Tips for This Comforting Meal
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in freshness and prevent bacterial growth, keeping the meal safe and delicious for future enjoyment.
Freezing Magic: This dish freezes beautifully for up to three months. Divide into individual portions before freezing, making quick reheating a breeze for busy weeknights or unexpected hunger pangs.
Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen meals in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the original creamy texture.
Ingredient Freshness Trick: Keep cooked chicken and vegetables separate if preparing components in advance. Combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy sweet potatoes. Refrigerate components in separate containers for maximum flavor retention and quality.
Hearty Crustless Chicken and Sweet Potato Delight combines comforting Southern flavors in one skillet meal. Juicy chicken nestles with caramelized sweet potatoes, creating a protein-packed dinner you’ll savor with complete satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
3–4 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
1.5 cups sweet potatoes or Yukon potatoes (1 medium), cut into small bite-sized cubes
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup milk (skim, 2%, or whole)
1 cup frozen peas
2–4 cups baby spinach, chopped (optional)
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, sliced into coins
2 large celery sticks, sliced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1–2 tbsps butter (unsalted preferred)
⅓ cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour if needed)
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1–2 tbsps fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Instructions
Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium-low heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, approximately 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic in the final moments to create an aromatic base.
Texture Enhancement: Sprinkle flour over softened vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Briefly toast the flour to eliminate raw flavor and develop a subtle nuttiness.
Liquid Harmony: Pour chicken stock and milk into the vegetable mixture, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Introduce sweet potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until potatoes become tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Final Assembly: Remove from heat and incorporate cooked chicken, frozen peas, parsley, and optional spinach. Gently fold ingredients together, returning to low heat to warm through and meld flavors for an additional 5 minutes.
Finishing Touch: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving, enabling flavors to fully integrate and develop a rich, comforting profile.
Notes
Prevent Lumps: Whisk stock and milk slowly and steadily to avoid creating unwanted flour clumps in the sauce.
Sweet Potato Timing: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
Low and Slow Technique: Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking to preserve vegetable texture and prevent scorching the bottom of the pot.
Flavor Melding: Allow the dish to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to let seasonings and ingredients fully integrate, enhancing overall taste profile.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.