This Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potato is a cozy dinner you’ll love! The chicken is sticky and sweet while the sweet potatoes are soft and fluffy. All together, it’s a perfect match!
Honestly, who knew cooking could smell this good? As the chicken cooks, you’ll find it hard to resist sneaking bites. I usually pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with chicken breasts, but they may need a little more cooking time to stay juicy.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash work nicely, just keep in mind cooking times may vary.
Honey: Honey creates that wonderful glaze! If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar—both offer a similar sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a quick substitute. Just remember, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder equals about 1 clove of fresh garlic.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, choose tamari or coconut aminos. They both mimic the flavor of soy sauce well!
How Do You Get the Chicken Skin Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy skin (or sear) on your chicken adds flavor and texture! Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps form a nice crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; it’s better to cook in batches if necessary.
- Once you place the chicken in the pan, let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden brown before flipping.
- After flipping, pour your honey garlic sauce over the chicken to add flavor while it finishes cooking in the oven.
Focusing on these steps ensures a delightful contrast between crispy chicken and sweet, sticky sauce!
Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh rosemary sprigs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
- Olive oil for roasting
For The Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook. In total, you will need around 50 minutes from start to finish. This includes roasting the sweet potatoes and baking the chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot temperature is perfect for roasting those sweet potatoes to perfection!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
On a baking sheet, place the cubed sweet potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss them well to coat evenly. Spread them out in a single layer for even roasting.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Put the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should come out soft and slightly caramelized.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a bowl and whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and oregano (or rosemary). This fragrant sauce is going to be the star of the dish!
5. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds fantastic flavor!
6. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat it over medium-high heat. If needed, add a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down (or one side if skinless), and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Don’t rush this step—it really helps develop flavor!
7. Add Sauce and Bake:
Once the chicken is seared, flip it over, and pour the honey garlic sauce right over it. Make sure to coat it well. If desired, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a pinch of dried herbs on top. Now transfer the skillet to the oven and bake together with the sweet potatoes for another 15-20 minutes. You want your chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes—this helps it soak up all that yummy sauce!
9. Plate and Garnish:
Plate the chicken alongside the roasted sweet potatoes, making sure to spoon some of the pan sauce over the chicken for that added flavor. Finish it off by garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a crunch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy your deliciously sticky, flavorful honey garlic chicken paired with sweet roasted sweet potatoes. It’s a dish sure to please everyone around the table!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, boneless chicken breasts will work as well. Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit quicker.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in This Recipe?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent alternatives. Both provide a similar sweetness and work well with the garlic flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the sauce!
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free options. Your dish will still be delicious and flavorful!