Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato is a simple, tasty meal that brings together juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and garlicky sauce with tender, roasted sweet potatoes. The combination of flavors is comforting and just the right mix of sweet and savory, making it perfect for any night of the week.
I love making this because it’s so easy to prepare but feels like a special dinner. The honey and garlic make the chicken super flavorful without a lot of fuss, and the sweet potatoes add a nice, natural sweetness and softness that pairs perfectly. It’s a dish I keep coming back to when I want something both healthy and satisfying.
My favorite way to serve this meal is with a simple side of steamed greens or a fresh salad, which balances everything nicely. It’s also a great dish to cook ahead and enjoy as leftovers because the flavors get even better after a day. Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato always feels like a cozy, homemade reward after a busy day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. But if you want a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too. Just watch cooking time as breasts can dry out faster.
Sweet Potatoes: These give the dish natural sweetness and a soft texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be tasty substitutes.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar are good alternatives if you want a different flavor or need a vegan option.
Garlic & Soy Sauce: Garlic brings bold flavor, and soy sauce adds salty depth. If you’re avoiding soy, tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce nicely.
How Do I Get the Chicken Glaze Sticky and Delicious?
The secret to a glossy, sticky honey garlic glaze is timing and heat control:
- Make the sauce by mixing honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and oil before adding it to the pan.
- Pour the sauce over chicken and veggies after the sweet potatoes have roasted a bit to soften.
- Return the pan to a hot oven so the sauce can reduce and thicken, caramelizing on the chicken.
- Avoid stirring too much while roasting to let the glaze build up on the chicken pieces.
This method lets the sauce thicken without burning and gives you a nicely coated, flavorful finish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for roasting sweet potatoes and chicken together evenly.
- Mixing bowls – handy for tossing veggies and making the honey garlic sauce.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the sauce ingredients just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping chicken, sweet potatoes, and onion safely.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – useful for mixing the chicken and veggies with the sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for pork tenderloin – it cooks quickly and pairs well with honey garlic flavors.
- Add bell peppers or broccoli – these veggies add color and a fresh crunch to the dish.
- Stir in a pinch of chili flakes – for a bit of heat if you like spice.
- Use fresh ginger in the sauce – it gives a zesty twist that complements garlic nicely.
Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large chunks
For The Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping and making the sauce, then roasting the sweet potatoes and chicken in the oven until everything is tender and beautifully glazed.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Veggies:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the diced sweet potatoes and chopped onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 1/5 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you like. Toss everything well, so the veggies are evenly coated. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes to let them start softening.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While the veggies roast, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and the remaining olive oil in a small bowl. This will be your sweet, flavorful glaze for the chicken and veggies.
3. Add Chicken and Sauce:
Season the chicken pieces with a bit of salt and pepper. After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 20 minutes, take the baking sheet out of the oven and nestle the chicken among the veggies. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and gently toss to coat all the pieces with this tasty glaze.
4. Roast Until Done:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C), and the sweet potatoes will be tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top. Serve your honey garlic chicken and sweet potatoes hot, perhaps with a side of steamed greens or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry well to avoid excess moisture that can affect roasting.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Substitute Sweet Potatoes with Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes will work fine, but keep in mind they may cook a bit faster or slower, so check for tenderness during roasting.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.