This honey garlic chicken is super tasty, with a sweet and sticky glaze that will make your mouth water! Paired with soft and creamy sweet potatoes, it’s a perfect match.
I love how easy this dish is to whip up on busy nights. Just bake the chicken and sweet potatoes together, and dinner is ready! Plus, the flavors are just amazing! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, boneless thighs or chicken breasts can work, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted to prevent drying out.
Sweet Potatoes: These provide a delicious sweetness. You can swap them with butternut squash or regular potatoes if needed, but sweet potatoes are best for this flavor combo.
Honey: Honey gives the chicken a lovely glaze. For a vegan alternative, try maple syrup or agave syrup. Brown sugar also works in a pinch but will change the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the dish. If you’re avoiding soy, use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Crispy?
Crispy chicken skin is key to a flavorful dish. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Start with a high oven temperature (400°F or 200°C) to render the fat from the skin quickly.
- Make sure the skin is dry before seasoning – pat it with a paper towel if necessary.
- Don’t cover the chicken while baking; let the hot air circulate to crisp up the skin.
- Spoon some sauce over the chicken halfway through cooking for flavor while still achieving crispiness.
With these tips, you’ll have a fantastic meal ready with little fuss! Enjoy your cooking!
Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Serving:
- 1 cup chopped kale (optional, for serving)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35-45 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying this delicious meal in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important to ensure your chicken cooks properly and gets that nice crispy skin.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Take the chopped sweet potatoes and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle them with half of the olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Toss everything together so the sweet potatoes are well coated.
3. Season the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken thighs and season them generously with salt, pepper, and the remaining smoked paprika. Make sure to rub the spices well into the skin for great flavor!
4. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Now, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. It’s all coming together now!
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and the remaining olive oil. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
6. Pour the Sauce:
Drizzle the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs and sweet potatoes. This will create a delicious glaze as it cooks!
7. Bake and Cook:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sweet potatoes to be tender. Don’t forget to spoon some of that yummy pan sauce over the chicken halfway through for extra flavor.
8. Add the Kale:
If you’re using kale, add it to the baking dish in the last 5 minutes of cooking to let it wilt. It adds a nice touch of color and healthiness to the meal!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is cooked, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions for garnish. You can also drizzle more sauce from the pan on top for an extra kick of flavor.
10. Dish it Up!
Serve your honey garlic chicken alongside the roasted sweet potatoes and wilted kale. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, sweet, and savory one-pan meal!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide great flavor and moisture, you can also use boneless thighs or chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as boneless cuts will cook faster.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sweet potatoes, season them, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This will help the flavors meld together, making for an even tastier dish!
What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh garden salad or roasted veggies would complement the meal nicely! Feel free to get creative!
