Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes is one of the easiest and most comforting slow cooker meals you can make. Tender chicken breasts simmer with soft, naturally sweet potatoes, warm spices, garlic, and broth to create a cozy, satisfying dish that feels wholesome and hearty. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful, complete dinner that cooks entirely on its own while you get things done.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• A complete meal in one pot: The chicken, sweet potatoes, and vegetables cook together in the slow cooker, giving you a nutrient-rich dinner with no extra pans or effort needed.
• Perfect for meal prep: It reheats beautifully, stays moist, and tastes even better the next day, making it great for weekly planning or freezer-ready meals.
• Naturally healthy and filling: Sweet potatoes bring vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness, while lean chicken adds protein and keeps the dish satisfying without heavy ingredients.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: This recipe uses simple pantry items, affordable chicken cuts, and common vegetables while still tasting warm, rich, and comforting.
• Hands-off cooking: Once you place everything in the crockpot, the slow cooker takes care of the rest. No babysitting, stirring, or monitoring required.
Ingredients
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Recommended Tools
These tools make slow cooker recipes easier and help everything cook evenly.
6-Quart Crockpot – the perfect size for chicken, soups, roasts, and family meals.
Slow Cooker Liners – prevent sticking and make cleaning super easy.
Silicone Spoon Set – great for stirring without scratching the pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – helps you measure spices and liquids accurately.
Glass Storage Containers – perfect for storing leftovers safely.
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: SEASON THE CHICKEN
• Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
• Season the Chicken: Rub the seasoning all over the chicken breasts until fully coated. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.
• Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden. This adds deeper flavor before slow cooking.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE VEGETABLE BASE
• Layer the Veggies: Add the cubed sweet potatoes and sliced onion to the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add Garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables.
STEP 3: ADD THE CHICKEN & BROTH
• Place Chicken on Top: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts over the bed of sweet potatoes.
• Pour Broth: Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the pot without washing off the seasoning on the chicken.
STEP 4: SLOW COOK
• Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.
• Check Texture: Chicken should shred easily with a fork but still hold shape.
STEP 5: FINISH & SERVE
• Taste & Adjust: Add more salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
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Cooking Notes
• Avoid cutting the sweet potatoes too small or they may turn mushy
• Chicken thighs stay extra tender in slow cooking
• Do not remove the lid during cooking or heat escapes
• Broth amount can be increased for a stew-like consistency
• Add cinnamon lightly; it enhances sweetness without overpowering
Variations
• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash
• Add green beans or spinach in the last hour of cooking
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
• Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy version
• Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor
Serving Suggestions
• Serve over quinoa or rice
• Pair with a simple green salad
• Add crusty bread to soak up juices
• Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts
• Drizzle with a little lemon juice for brightness
Tips
• Use fresh sweet potatoes, not canned
• Sear the chicken first for extra flavor (optional but recommended)
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Freeze cooked chicken and potatoes for easy future meals
• Shred chicken into the broth for a stew-style dinner
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approx. 380 calories – 32g protein – 9g fat – 38g carbs
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
- It’s best to use thawed chicken for food safety and even cooking. Frozen chicken also releases extra water that can dilute the seasoning and make the dish less flavorful. If you must use frozen chicken, increase the cooking time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I add more vegetables to the slow cooker?
- Yes. Carrots, parsnips, celery, or bell peppers all work well in this recipe. Just place them with the sweet potatoes at the bottom so they soften evenly during cooking.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
- Chicken breasts can easily overcook, so the LOW setting is recommended. You can also switch to chicken thighs, which stay juicy longer and have a richer flavor when slow cooked.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
- You can, but the broth adds flavor and richness. If using water, consider adding a bouillon cube or extra seasonings so the dish doesn’t taste flat.
Can I make this recipe without sweet potatoes?
- Yes. You can replace sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, but keep in mind the flavor will be less sweet and the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the potato variety.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes is a nourishing, hands-off recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a warm and comforting dinner. With tender chicken, naturally sweet vegetables, and deep savory flavors from spices and broth, this slow cooker meal is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish brings wholesome comfort and satisfying flavors without any stress. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
