Winter Spiced Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet

When it comes to cozy, wholesome meals that nourish the body and delight the senses, this Winter Spiced Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet is hard to beat. Bursting with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, coriander, and cumin, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm embrace. Best of all, it’s easy to make, nutrient-dense, and naturally low in sugar—perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Balanced Flavors: The earthy spices paired with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and dried cranberries create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and vibrant.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish as good for your health as it is for your taste buds.

3. No Added Sugar: It tastes indulgent, like honey-roasted chicken, but it’s free of added sugar (with an optional drizzle of honey for serving).

4. Simple & Nourishing: This one-pan dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced

• 1 tosp olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1/2 tablespoon turmeric

• ½ tablespoons coriander

• ½ tablespoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon cardamom

• ½ tsp sea salt (more to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

• ¼4 cup pecans, roughly chopped

• ¼ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if available)

• Optional: drizzle of honey for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.

2. Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sweet Potato Base: In the same skillet, toss the diced sweet potatoes with any remaining oil and seasoning from the chicken. Add fresh thyme, then spread the sweet potatoes evenly in the skillet.

4. Combine & Roast: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle the pecans and cranberries over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.

5. Serve: Optionally drizzle with a touch of honey before serving for added sweetness. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Make It Your Own: Swap pecans for walnuts, or cranberries for dried cherries. This recipe is flexible!

• Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, so make extra for a quick and nourishing lunch the next day.

• Spice Adjustment: If you’re new to these spices, start with half the amounts and adjust to taste.

As a holistic health coach, I love creating meals that are both delicious and packed with nutrients to support women in midlife. This skillet is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory spices that help reduce inflammation, support immunity, and keep you feeling your best.

This Winter Spiced Chicken & Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The aroma of the spices, the caramelized edges of the sweet potatoes, and the tender, juicy chicken make this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.

Let me know if you try it! I’d love to hear your thoughts or see how you make it your own.

With lots of love,

Mary