Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes is the epitome of a perfect fall dish. This easy-to-make skillet recipe combines the sweetness of honey, the richness of roasted chicken, and the earthy flavor of tender sweet potatoes, all cooked in a single pan. With its balanced flavors and minimal prep time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving something both hearty and delicious. The combination of honey, butter, and herbs creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone at the table will love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes dish is more than just a comforting meal; it’s a quick and nutritious option for your family. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something flavorful but don’t have the time for complicated recipes. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or indulging in a meal that suits everyone, this dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser. The best part? It uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
• Chicken Thighs (or Breasts): The chicken serves as the hearty protein of this dish, soaking up the honey butter while providing a satisfying texture.
• Butter: Adds richness to the honey sauce, making the chicken tender and flavorful.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the savory flavors and creates the signature honey butter sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors of the chicken and sweet potatoes.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, offering depth and aroma to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, earthy note that complements the sweet honey.
• Sweet Potatoes: A nutrient-packed side that’s naturally sweet and tender when roasted.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a burst of tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the honey.
• Pecan Halves: Add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the sweetness of the dish.
• Fresh Thyme: A garnish that brings a touch of freshness and earthiness to the completed dish.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions you can try:
- Chicken Breasts: If you don’t have thighs, chicken breasts work just as well. Just be sure to adjust cooking time to prevent dryness.
- Sweet Potatoes: If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or even butternut squash would be great alternatives.
- Pecans: Swap with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey, then add the chicken. Brown each side of the chicken for 3–4 minutes. Move the chicken to the sides of the skillet.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Add the remaining butter and honey to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the diced sweet potatoes, stirring them in the honey-butter mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, and add the pecans and cranberries.
- Roast: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Chicken Thickness: Adjust cooking time depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. Thicker pieces may need a little more time in the oven.
- Sweet Potato Texture: To ensure the sweet potatoes are tender, dice them evenly and check for doneness with a fork.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
While Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes is a complete meal, here are a few sides you can pair it with:
- Green Beans: Roasted or sautéed green beans add a light, crunchy texture to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
- Salad: A fresh salad with arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze complements the sweetness of the chicken and potatoes.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling option, serve the chicken and sweet potatoes over a bed of rice or quinoa.
If you want to make this dish a little spicier, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey butter mixture for an extra kick.
Health Benefits of Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. The addition of pecans offers healthy fats, and honey provides natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars.
Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes is not just a comforting fall dish but also a healthy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that the whole family will enjoy and a great way to make the most of the season’s best ingredients.
Conclusion
Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes is a dish that combines simplicity with delicious complexity. This one-pan meal brings together savory roasted chicken, sweet honey butter, and tender sweet potatoes, all complemented by the nutty crunch of pecans and the sweetness of dried cranberries. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy, this recipe delivers on every front. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, requiring just 30 minutes of your time. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, since chicken breasts cook faster, be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. To keep them moist, you can cover the skillet with foil while baking.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sweet potatoes in advance. Simply season the chicken and chop the sweet potatoes, then refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. You can also store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey butter sauce. You can also try marinating the chicken in a bit of hot sauce or spicy mustard before cooking for an extra kick.
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PrintHoney Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
This Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe is a one-pan meal that combines savory roasted chicken, sweet honey butter, and tender sweet potatoes. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty fall meal. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 tablespoons honey (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian blend seasoning (divided)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1–2 inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pecan halves
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and stir in 2 tablespoons of honey. Brown the chicken on both sides for 3-4 minutes, then move the chicken to the sides of the skillet.
- Add the remaining butter and honey to the skillet. Once the butter melts, add the diced sweet potatoes, stirring them to coat in the honey-butter mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, then add the pecans and cranberries. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be bone-in or boneless, skinless, depending on your preference.
- Make sure to dice the sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking time.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the cooking time if you use chicken breasts, as they may cook faster than thighs.
