Roast Chicken Breast with Sweet Potatoes & Broccolini

A no-fuss oven dinner for one—comforting, crispy, and weeknight-worthy

Let’s face it: some days you want the comfort of a roast without the commitment of cooking for a small army. That’s where this solo superstar steps in. With golden roast chicken, caramelised sweet potatoes, and crispy-tipped broccolini, this one-pan wonder is the ultimate answer to, “What do I cook when I want something proper, but also… can’t be bothered?”

Whether it’s Tuesday or you’re just roasting to avoid texting your ex (no judgment), this dish has your back.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 1)

1 chicken breast (about 200–250g)
1 small sweet potato, peeled & diced into 1.5 cm cubes
1 small bunch broccolini (6–8 stems)
1 tbsp olive oil, divided
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but highly encouraged)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
A squeeze of lemon juice (optional, but zings it up)
Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or whatever herb is still hanging on in your fridge)

🔥 How to Make It

1. Preheat & prep:

Preheat your oven to 200°C fan-forced. Line a tray with baking paper for maximum crispiness and minimum cleanup.

2. Start with the sweet spuds:

Toss the diced sweet potato with 1 tsp olive oil, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on the tray in a single layer and roast for 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, show your chicken some love:

Rub your chicken breast with 1 tsp olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it chill while the potatoes get a head start in the oven.

4. Enter the chicken:

After 10 minutes, remove the tray and scoot the sweet potato to one side. Place your chicken breast in the centre. Pop it all back in the oven for another 15 minutes.

5. The green finale:

Toss your broccolini with the last 1 tsp olive oil and a tiny pinch of salt. After the chicken’s had its 15 minutes, add the broccolini to the tray. Roast everything together for another 8–10 minutes, until:

Chicken is golden and cooked through (aim for 74°C internal temp)
Sweet potato is tender with caramelised edges
Broccolini is just crisp on the tips but soft inside

6. Rest & finish:

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Squeeze over a bit of lemon juice if you’re fancy, and scatter with herbs if you’re feeling smug.

💡 Handy Solo Cooking Tips

No broccolini? Use green beans, zucchini, or even asparagus if it’s in season.
Don’t want chicken breast? Use boneless thigh instead—just cut 5–7 minutes off the roasting time.
Want to dress it up? Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or tahini dressing over the top.
Feeling extra? Toss in a few cherry tomatoes or sliced red onion with the sweet potato.

🧊 Any Leftovers?

Look, this meal is technically one serving, but if you doubled up:

Roast chicken keeps in the fridge 2–3 days
It’s great cold in a salad or wraps
Or reheat in the microwave for 90 seconds for round two

🧄 Why It Works for Winter (or Any Season)

This is peak solo roast therapy. The sweet potato brings slow-burning carbs and vitamin C, the broccolini is packed with fibre and antioxidants, and chicken? Good ol’ reliable protein. It’s also warm, balanced, and perfect for when you want to feel like a responsible adult without breaking a sweat.

And unlike most roast dinners, this one doesn’t leave you with four days of leftovers and existential fridge guilt.

💬 Roast Night Just Got Smarter

This one-pan roast is your midweek magic trick—easy, filling, and full of goodness without the grocery list of doom. Perfect for solo eaters who want a real meal without real hassle.

Tried it your way? Tag @Plan4One or leave a comment with your twist.
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Roast smarter. Eat better. Share with no one (except maybe your future self).