This honey garlic chicken is sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor! Paired with roasted sweet potatoes, it makes a yummy meal that’s both fun and satisfying.
I love how easy this dish is to prepare. Just marinate the chicken, throw it in the oven with the sweet potatoes, and enjoy the tasty aroma while it cooks. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs keep this dish juicy and flavorful. You can swap them for chicken breast, but be aware they might dry out quicker. Bone-in thighs add flavor too, just adjust cooking time.
Sweet Potatoes: These are sweet and creamy when roasted. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using regular potatoes or butternut squash for a twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor! If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as strong.
Honey: Use honey for sweetness and stickiness. Maple syrup is a good alternative if you’re avoiding honey, providing a different but still nice flavor.
Soy Sauce: This brings saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Coconut aminos can also work for a similar taste with less sodium.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Here’s how to keep it tender:
- Marinating the chicken helps infuse flavor and moisture. Even a short 10-minute marinade works wonders!
- Searing the chicken before baking creates a nice crust. Don’t skip this step; it locks in juices.
- Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without drying out.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute for a moist bite.
With these tips, your honey garlic chicken and sweet potatoes will turn out delightful and satisfying! Enjoy every bite!
Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for roasting)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for roasting the chicken and sweet potatoes.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This tasty sauce is what will make your chicken sticky and flavorful!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or baking dish. Pour about two-thirds of the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Toss them gently to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to soak in all that flavor.
4. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In another bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with a little extra olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will help them roast nicely to a sweet and tender finish.
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown.
6. Combine and Roast:
Flip the chicken thighs over, pour the remaining honey garlic sauce over them, and place the seasoned sweet potatoes around the chicken in the skillet. This will ensure everything cooks together beautifully!
7. Bake in the Oven:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
8. Final Touch:
Take the skillet out of the oven and sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the honey garlic chicken hot, spooning some of the delicious pan sauce over both the chicken and sweet potatoes. Enjoy this delicious, sweet, and savory meal!
Happy cooking! Enjoy every bite of your sweet and sticky honey garlic chicken alongside perfectly roasted sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used for this recipe, but keep in mind they may dry out faster than thighs. To keep them juicy, consider reducing the cooking time and checking the internal temperature early.
Can I Add Other Vegetables with the Sweet Potatoes?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the sweet potatoes for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Both options provide a similar flavor without gluten!
