If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, wholesome, and a total weeknight win, the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes will steal your heart (and your taste buds). This dish is a sweet-and-savory celebration, featuring juicy chicken breasts and caramelized sweet potatoes all roasted together and drenched in a sticky, tangy honey BBQ glaze. Everything cooks on a single pan, which means minimal mess and maximum flavor—a dinner dream come true for busy cooks and food lovers alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes is how each ingredient brings something special to the party. With just a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll create a dish that’s as vibrant on the plate as it is delicious on the palate!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean, protein-packed canvas that soak up all those BBQ flavors.
- Sweet Potatoes: Cubed for speedy roasting, these add natural sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Olive Oil: Helps everything roast up golden and keeps the chicken ultra-moist.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors—don’t skimp!
- Honey BBQ Sauce: The heart of the glaze, offering that signature sticky-sweet finish.
- Honey: Boosts the sweetness and creates a beautiful caramelized edge on the chicken.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Lends a bright tanginess that keeps the sauce from being too sweet.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick, add as much or as little as you like.
- Fresh Parsley: A vibrant finishing touch, scattered over the top for color and freshness.
How to Make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and give your largest baking sheet a light coating of oil or nonstick spray. Arrange your sweet potato cubes on one side of the pan, then drizzle them with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together right on the pan for easy cleanup, then spread the sweet potatoes into an even layer so they roast up beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts on the other side of the sheet pan and drizzle them with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper—these simple seasonings let the BBQ glaze shine later! Snuggle the chicken close to the sweet potatoes, but give everything a little breathing room for even roasting.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Honey BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). This quick sauce is what transforms the dish from simple to spectacular, marrying sweet, tangy, and just a hint of heat.
Step 4: First Roast & Glaze
Brush half of your homemade BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them generously. Slide the pan into the oven and roast for 25 minutes. During this time, the chicken starts to cook through and the sweet potatoes get a head start on caramelizing.
Step 5: Flip, Glaze, and Finish Roasting
After 25 minutes, pull the pan out—don’t worry, you’re almost there! Brush the chicken with the rest of your BBQ sauce, and give those sweet potatoes a good toss for even browning. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes rest for a few minutes, then shower everything with a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. It’s a tiny step that adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal finish to every bite!
How to Serve One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must for that restaurant-worthy touch, but you can also add thinly sliced green onions or a light dusting of toasted sesame seeds for extra color and crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try a crisp green salad, some roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans. Even a bowl of fluffy quinoa or brown rice works beautifully to soak up every drop of that honey BBQ goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and layer it over the sweet potatoes in a serving bowl for a family-style presentation. Or, serve individual portions on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, bistro-style vibe. Leftovers are fabulous tucked into wraps or piled onto a bed of greens for an instant lunch upgrade!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Everything keeps well for up to three days, making it a delicious, fuss-free option for meal prep.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes separately or together in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce might separate a little, but a quick stir brings everything back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop portions into the microwave until warmed through, or reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15 to 20 minutes. If you have a little extra BBQ sauce on hand, brush it over the chicken before reheating to keep things extra moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they roast up beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes for even roasting?
Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces similar in size ensures they roast evenly and become tender at the same rate as the chicken.
Can I add other vegetables to the pan?
Definitely! Broccoli florets or green beans are great additions—just toss them onto the pan during the last 15 minutes of roasting so they don’t overcook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free, the entire dish stays gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! Slice the chicken for wraps or salads, or simply reheat for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want to treat yourself to something extra tasty, One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes is a game changer. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with irresistible flavor. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple and satisfying one-pan dinners can be!
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One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce alongside perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Season and arrange sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes on one side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over them. Toss well to coat the sweet potatoes evenly, then spread them out in a single layer.
- Prepare and season chicken: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken breasts, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken on the opposite side of the baking sheet from the sweet potatoes.
- Mix and brush sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Brush half of this sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- First roast: Roast the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Mid-roast glaze and toss: Remove the pan from the oven. Brush the chicken breasts with the remaining honey BBQ sauce. Toss the sweet potatoes gently to promote even browning and redistribute seasoning.
- Final roast: Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and serve: Once done, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and sweet potatoes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred for a juicier result.
- Add broccoli florets or green beans to the pan during the last 15 minutes of baking for a complete balanced meal.
- Leftovers reheat well, making this recipe suitable for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sweet potatoes
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
