If you’re craving a dish that marries sweet, smoky, and savory flavors with the convenience of minimal cleanup, look no further than this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that bursts with luscious honey-glazed chicken breasts paired with tender sweet potatoes, all cooked together in one pan to lock in those irresistible flavors. The balance between the sweetness of the honey, the smoky depth of the BBQ sauce, and the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes makes every bite a delightful experience you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but each ingredient plays a starring role, creating a dish with beautiful color, texture, and flavor harmony. From the juicy chicken breasts to the naturally sweet potatoes, and the sticky honey BBQ glaze that ties it all together—these ingredients are must-haves for a winning meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), diced: The sweet potatoes add a creamy texture and natural sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: This is the secret to getting that glossy, sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety recommended): Opt for a smoky BBQ sauce to add depth and a subtle smoky kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for coating the chicken and sweet potatoes so they roast up crispy and golden.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but vital seasonings that bring out the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- Fresh herbs (optional for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness for serving.
How to Make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right for roasting the chicken and sweet potatoes so they get that perfect golden-brown, caramelized finish without drying out.
Step 2: Toss Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts and diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple coating with olive oil helps everything crisp up nicely in the oven while seasoning enhances the natural flavors.
Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Glaze
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey and smoky BBQ sauce until smooth and perfectly blended. This glaze is the heart of the recipe — it adds sweetness with a smoky punch that makes the chicken absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the chicken breasts neatly on one side of your baking dish and the sweet potatoes on the other. Keeping them separate allows each to cook perfectly while still sharing the pan’s heat.
Step 5: Brush on the Glaze
Generously brush the honey BBQ glaze all over the chicken breasts. Don’t hold back — this sticky coating will caramelize during baking, forming a mouthwatering crust you can’t wait to dig into.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. By the end, you’ll have chicken with a beautifully caramelized surface and tender sweet potatoes roasted to perfection. The aroma alone will have everyone already gathered at the table!
How to Serve One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even a sprinkle of chopped chives takes this dish up a notch. The brightness of fresh greenery balances the richness of the honey BBQ glaze and makes every plate look inviting.
Side Dishes
While this one-pan meal is a complete package, a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans can add a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor. For something heartier, creamy mashed cauliflower or garlic bread also pair beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken breasts and serve over the roasted sweet potatoes with an extra drizzle of any leftover honey BBQ sauce. Garnish with a wedge of lemon to add a hint of acidity that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe ahead for a busy week, it freezes well. Just portion out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy and the sweet potatoes soft but not mushy. Avoid microwaving if you want to best preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs lend extra flavor and stay moist, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re done—typically about 40 to 45 minutes at 400°F. Keep an eye on the potatoes so they don’t overcook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce, this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken and sprinkle some smoked paprika into the honey BBQ glaze. This adds a wonderful smoky spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
What’s the best way to dice sweet potatoes evenly?
Peel the sweet potatoes if you like, then slice them into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly alongside the chicken. Uniform pieces help everything roast in the same amount of time without one ingredient being under or overcooked.
Can I replace olive oil with another oil?
Yes, feel free to use avocado oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point. The key is to coat the chicken and sweet potatoes to promote crispiness and prevent sticking without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe is one of those meals that feels both comforting and special. It’s simple enough for any night but impressive enough to share. The harmony of sweet and smoky flavors, combined with the ease of a single-pan cleanup, makes it a winner in my book. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen favorite!
Print
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and simple one-pan meal featuring tender boneless chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, paired with caramelized sweet potatoes. This easy bake dinner combines natural sweetness and savory flavors for a wholesome, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey BBQ Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety recommended)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for roasting the chicken and sweet potatoes evenly.
- Toss Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the boneless chicken breasts and diced sweet potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly for flavor and a perfect roast.
- Prepare Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey and smoky BBQ sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined—this will create a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the chicken breasts on one side of a large baking dish and spread the diced sweet potatoes evenly on the other side, ensuring everything is in a single layer for even cooking.
- Brush with Glaze: Generously brush the honey BBQ glaze over the chicken breasts, coating them thoroughly to lock in moisture and add a sweet, smoky flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and caramelized, and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh herbs over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and fresh aroma.
Notes
- Ensure sweet potatoes are cut into evenly sized pieces to cook uniformly alongside the chicken.
- If you prefer crispier skin or edges on the chicken and sweet potatoes, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on servings needed.
