Save This one-pot honey garlic chicken with roasted sweet potatoes has transformed my weeknight dinner routine with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken thighs develop a beautiful caramelized glaze while the sweet potatoes become tender and infused with the honey garlic sauce—all in just one pan.
I first made this dish when I needed something comforting yet impressive for unexpected dinner guests. The aroma filled my home and everyone asked for seconds. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever I want something that feels special but doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: provide rich flavor and stay juicy throughout cooking. Look for thighs with pink flesh and plump appearance.
- Sweet potatoes: offer natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Choose firm potatoes with smooth skin for best results.
- Honey: creates that irresistible glaze. Local raw honey adds the most complex flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: adds umami depth without making the dish too salty.
- Fresh garlic cloves: offer aromatic punch. Always use fresh rather than pre-minced for the brightest flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: balances the sweetness with necessary acidity.
- Smoked paprika: gives the sweet potatoes a subtle smoky depth.
- Fresh parsley: brightens the finished dish with color and freshness.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the middle. This high temperature ensures caramelization and proper browning of both chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Prepare The Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Drying the chicken is crucial for achieving that golden crispy skin.
- Sear The Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns a deep golden brown. Flip and quickly sear the other side for 2 minutes. This creates a flavor foundation for the entire dish.
- Prepare The Sweet Potatoes:
- While the chicken sears, toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. The uniform size ensures they cook evenly.
- Assemble The Dish:
- Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in an even layer in the same skillet you used for the chicken. Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top, placing them skin-side up. This positioning allows the chicken fat to render down into the sweet potatoes as everything cooks.
- Create The Sauce:
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes until completely combined. The sauce should have a smooth consistency and balanced sweet-savory profile.
- Combine And Roast:
- Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and sweet potatoes, ensuring everything gets coated. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish With Broiler:
- For extra crispy chicken skin, switch your oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning as the sugars in the honey can caramelize quickly.
Save The smoked paprika is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I accidentally used it instead of regular paprika one evening. The subtle smokiness it brings to the sweet potatoes creates a perfect counterpoint to the sweet honey garlic sauce. My family now requests this dish specifically for the flavor of those smoky sweet potatoes.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to maintain the crispy chicken skin. Avoid microwaving if possible as it tends to make the chicken rubbery and the skin soft.
Easy Substitutions
No chicken thighs? Bone-in chicken breasts work beautifully but may need an additional 5-7 minutes cooking time. For a leaner option, boneless skinless thighs work well too but reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes.
If sweet potatoes aren't your favorite, regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even carrots make excellent substitutions. Each brings its own character to the dish while still soaking up the delicious sauce.
For a soy-free version, coconut aminos provide a similar umami flavor with slightly more sweetness. Adjust the honey down slightly to compensate.
Serving Suggestions
This dish creates its own sauce as it cooks, making it perfect to serve over steamed rice or quinoa which will soak up all those delicious juices. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully.
Complete the meal with simple steamed green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The vegetables can be steamed while the chicken is in the oven, making the entire meal ready at once.
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and sweet potatoes.
Seasonal Adaptations
Fall and winter Add diced butternut squash alongside the sweet potatoes and incorporate warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
Spring Use new potatoes instead of sweet potatoes and add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Summer Include summer vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers during the last 15 minutes of cooking
Save This is a truly versatile and delicious dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can boneless chicken be used instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used. Adjust cooking time, as it may cook faster. Watch for doneness to avoid drying out.
- → What can replace honey for a vegan version?
Maple syrup works well as a vegan-friendly alternative, giving a similar sweetness and glaze to the dish.
- → Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for extra tender cubes, but you can leave the skins on for more texture and fiber if desired.
- → Can other vegetables be added?
Absolutely. Carrots, parsnips, or bell peppers can be roasted with the sweet potatoes for additional flavor and color.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store cooled chicken and sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat until hot.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diners?
Yes, just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to ensure the meal stays gluten-free.