Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato
Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato is a simple and delicious meal that brings together tender chicken pieces glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce paired with soft, roasted sweet…
Tip: save now, cook later.Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato is a simple and delicious meal that brings together tender chicken pieces glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce paired with soft, roasted sweet potatoes. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is comforting and hits just the right spot when you want something both satisfying and easy to make.
I love making this dish because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The honey garlic sauce is so quick to whip up and browns beautifully on the chicken, giving it a nice caramelized touch. The sweet potatoes roast alongside, soaking up those delicious flavors and becoming perfectly tender. It’s one of those dinners I can throw together on a busy weeknight but still feel like I’m treating myself.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the pan, maybe with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad. It’s great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping for the week. This combo always reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone asks for seconds, which I take as the highest compliment!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless skinless breasts for quick cooking, but thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. Both work well, so choose based on your preference.
Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness works great here. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, regular Yukon gold potatoes are a fine swap, though the flavor is less sweet.
Honey: This gives a sticky, sweet glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar can substitute if you want a different sweetness or are avoiding honey.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work but use less, about 1/2 teaspoon.
Soy Sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce for control over saltiness. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary adds a lovely aroma, but dried rosemary or oregano work fine if that’s what you have. Feel free to experiment with thyme or basil.
How Do You Get Perfectly Glazed Honey Garlic Chicken?
The key is balancing heat and timing for the sauce to thicken without burning.
- Sear chicken until golden over medium-high heat to get nice color and flavor.
- Lower heat before adding sauce to avoid burning the honey and garlic.
- Cook gently, turning chicken in the sauce so it thickens into a sticky glaze.
- If sauce thickens too fast, add a splash of water or broth to loosen and keep it saucy.
This method keeps the chicken moist and gives you that glossy, flavorful finish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet – perfect for roasting sweet potatoes evenly without crowding.
- Nonstick or stainless steel skillet – helps sear chicken nicely and lets the sauce thicken without sticking.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together the honey garlic sauce easily.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to cut sweet potatoes and trim chicken smoothly.
- Tongs or spatula – for flipping chicken without breaking the pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for salmon fillets to try a seafood twist; the honey garlic glaze pairs well with fish.
- Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini to roast with sweet potatoes for more veggies and color.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use fresh thyme instead of rosemary for a milder herb flavor that works great here.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (about 700g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (from the 3 tablespoons total)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Half of the chopped rosemary or oregano (from the 1 teaspoon)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and about 25-30 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes. The chicken cooks in about 10-12 minutes while the potatoes are roasting, so the total time is approximately 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the chopped rosemary or oregano. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway, until tender and golden on the edges.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the sweet potatoes roast, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and dried oregano (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of rosemary or oregano. Add a little olive oil to the pan and sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C) and the sauce thickens into a glaze.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Plate the chicken alongside the roasted sweet potatoes. Spoon any extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the sauce stick properly.
Can I Substitute Sweet Potatoes with Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes like Yukon gold or red potatoes work well, though the dish will be less sweet. Adjust roasting time as needed, since regular potatoes may cook a bit faster or slower depending on size.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then refrigerate separately from the sweet potatoes. Reheat everything together just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
