40-Minute One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash Perfection

You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, exhausted, and just need dinner to happen now? That’s exactly when my One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash swoops in to save the day. This cozy, flavor-packed meal comes together in one skillet, yes, just one!, and fills your kitchen with the most amazing sweet-and-savory aroma while you toss everything in. I’ve lost count of how many times this recipe has rescued me from takeout temptation. The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now. Chicken, sweet potatoes, and apples team up with just a few pantry staples to create something way more delicious than the sum of its parts. Trust me, this is the kind of hearty, healthy meal you’ll want to make on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash

This dish might just become your new weeknight superhero. Here’s why:

• One pan, no stress: From browning the chicken to cooking everything to perfection, it all happens in a single skillet. More flavor, fewer dishes, that’s my kind of math!
• Sweet meets savory: The apples bring this incredible natural sweetness that plays so nicely with the chicken and sweet potatoes. It’s like autumn decided to throw a party in your mouth.
• Ready in a flash: 40 minutes start to finish, and most of that is hands-off simmering time, perfect for when you’re juggling a million things.
• Packed with goodness: Between the lean protein, vitamin-packed sweet potatoes, and fiber-rich apples, this is comfort food that actually loves you back.
• Endlessly adaptable: Swap in what you’ve got, pears instead of apples, turkey instead of chicken; it’s hard to mess this one up.

Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for those sweet potatoes to get perfectly tender while that amazing smell fills your kitchen.

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, flavorful dish happen. I love how simple the ingredient list is; you might not even need to hit the store!

• 2 tbsp olive oil, our cooking base that adds just the right richness
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced, I like 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced, about 2 cups when chopped
• 1 apple, cored and diced. Use any firm variety you love (I’m partial to Honeycrisp)
• 1 tsp salt brings all the flavors together
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked, is my go-to for maximum flavor

See? Nothing fancy, just real food that works together beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, I sometimes toss in a pinch of cinnamon or thyme, but honestly, it’s amazing just like this. For more ideas on simple meals, check out my collection of recipes.

Equipment You’ll Need

Good news, you only need a couple of basic kitchen tools to make this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash magic happen:

• Large skillet (10-12 inches is perfect)
• Cutting board for prepping ingredients
• Sharp knife (makes dicing way easier!)

That’s it! No fancy gadgets required, just one trusty pan and a little elbow grease. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash

Now for the fun part, turning those simple ingredients into something truly special. Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you; the flavors that develop in this single pan will blow you away! If you are looking for other simple skillet meals, you might enjoy this one-pot turkey sausage, brussels sprouts, and apple recipe.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

First, grab your trusty skillet and heat those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, when you drop a tiny piece of chicken in, and it sizzles immediately, you’re golden. Add all that diced chicken in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan!) and let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get that beautiful golden crust. Give it a stir and cook for another 3 minutes or so until the chicken is evenly browned but not fully cooked through yet. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Fruit

Time for the sweet potatoes and apples to join the party! Toss them right into the skillet with the chicken; no need to wipe anything out. The sweet potatoes will soak up all those delicious chicken juices, and the apples will start releasing their natural sweetness. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, then give everything a good stir to coat all the pieces evenly. You’ll already start seeing how the colors pop together; those orange sweet potatoes and pale apples make the dish look as good as it tastes!

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Here’s where the magic happens. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer away for about 20 minutes. I usually set a timer for 10 minutes, give it a good stir, then check again at 15. You’re looking for the sweet potatoes to be fork-tender but not mushy. The apples will soften but still hold their shape, and the chicken will finish cooking to juicy perfection. That steam building up under the lid is what makes everything meld together so beautifully. Just try not to lift the lid too often, we want to keep all that flavorful steam inside!

When your timer dings, take off the lid and behold your masterpiece. You’ll have perfectly cooked chicken, sweet potatoes with just the right bite, and apples that have melted into the most incredible sweet-savory sauce. Dinner is served, and you only dirtied one pan!

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it foolproof:

• Dice evenly: Cut the chicken, sweet potatoes, and apples into similar 1-inch pieces so everything cooks at the same rate. Nobody wants crunchy potatoes with mushy apples!
• Don’t peek too soon: Resist lifting that lid during simmering; the trapped steam is what works its magic. Wait at least 10 minutes before your first check.
• Fork-test the sweet potatoes: They should be tender but not falling apart. If your fork meets resistance, give it 2-3 more minutes.
• Use a firm apple: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape better than softer varieties. Trust me, you want those little apple cubes to stay intact!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll get that perfect balance of textures every single time. For more cooking inspiration, see what others are making at Recipes Loop.

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how forgiving it is! Don’t have chicken breasts? Thighs work great (just cook them a couple of minutes longer). Out of apples? Try pears, they bring their own lovely sweetness. For vegetarians, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu (add them when you’d normally add the apples). And if sweet potatoes aren’t your thing, butternut squash makes a fantastic substitute. The only non-negotiable? Keep that one-pot cooking method, it’s what makes all the flavors meld together beautifully. Mix and match based on what’s in your fridge, I promise it’ll still be delicious! If you prefer a different one-pot meal, perhaps try this one-pot chicken, butternut squash, and sage orzo.

Serving Suggestions for One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash

This hash is downright delicious all on its own, but here are my favorite ways to round out the meal. A crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up all those sweet-savory juices. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing cuts through the richness beautifully. On chilly nights, I love pairing it with roasted brussels sprouts, their earthy flavor complements the apples and sweet potatoes so well. Leftovers (if you have any!) make a fantastic next-day breakfast with a fried egg on top.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This hash keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, usually about 5 minutes. I don’t recommend microwaving unless you’re in a real pinch, as it can make the apples and sweet potatoes mushy. Honestly? It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!

Nutritional Information

Each generous serving of this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash packs about 320 calories, with 26g protein, 28g carbs, and 12g fat. You’re also getting a fantastic dose of vitamin A from those sweet potatoes! Keep in mind, these numbers can vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. But one thing’s for sure, it’s a balanced meal that’ll keep you full and satisfied! If you’re looking for another healthy main dish, consider this one-pot chicken, quinoa, and winter vegetable medley.

FAQs About One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash

One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Hash

A simple, hearty one-pot meal with chicken, apples, and sweet potatoes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Hash

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast diced
• 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced
• 1 apple cored and diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• large skillet
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in sweet potato and apple. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Notes

Serve warm. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Recipesloop.