This Honey Garlic Chicken is so tasty, with juicy chicken coated in a sweet and sticky sauce! Paired with soft and delicious sweet potatoes, this dish is a real winner.
What I love most is how easy it is to make! Just toss everything in the oven and let it do its thing. Plus, the combo of sweet and savory is perfect for any dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their juicy texture and rich flavor. If you prefer, you can use skinless thighs or even chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time since breasts cook faster.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and creamy texture. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash works well too. Regular potatoes can also be used, but they won’t have the same sweetness.
Honey: It gives a nice sticky sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower glycemic option, try using maple syrup or agave nectar. Just note that the flavor will change slightly.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth to the dish. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari are great alternatives. They have a similar taste but are gluten-free!
How Do You Get the Chicken Skin Crisp?
Crispy chicken skin is all about the cooking technique! Here are my tips:
- Start with a dry surface: Pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up better.
- Use high heat: Baking at 400°F (200°C) allows the fat to render out and the skin to crisp. If you want extra crunch, broil for a couple of minutes at the end.
- Baste during cooking: Halfway through baking, spoon the pan juices over the chicken. This keeps it moist and adds flavor.
With these steps, you’ll have deliciously crispy chicken skin every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure with this recipe!
Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 small onion, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 35-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour for this tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Getting Ready:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s hot and ready for the chicken and sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder and paprika. Make sure the sweet potatoes are well-coated. Then, spread them evenly in a cast iron skillet or a baking dish.
3. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy! Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, the remaining garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to cover them well!
4. Assemble the Dish:
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the sweet potatoes in the skillet. If you want to add onions, now’s the time to scatter the sliced onions and minced garlic around the chicken and sweet potatoes.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and sweet potatoes.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Now, pop the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken and veggies with the pan juices to keep everything nice and moist!
7. Crispy Option:
If you like crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors!
This Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and super easy to make. Enjoy!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just be aware that they will cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 25-30 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, just be mindful to cover it to keep it moist.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well! Keep in mind that these options will alter the flavor slightly, but they will still provide a nice sweetness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time if needed, depending on the veggies you choose.
