Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato

Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato is a simple, tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken coated in a sweet and garlicky sauce with soft, roasted sweet potatoes. The honey…

By Alina • November 6, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato is a simple, tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken coated in a sweet and garlicky sauce with soft, roasted sweet potatoes. The honey adds a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory garlic, making every bite comforting and full of flavor.

I love making this meal when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. The best part is how the sauce lightly caramelizes on the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven, creating those little crispy edges that I just can’t resist. I always find myself going back for seconds!

For serving, I like to add a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad to keep things fresh and bright. It’s a great weeknight dinner that feels cozy but still healthy. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that even picky eaters usually enjoy, which is always a win in my book.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and a soft texture. If you want, try orange or purple sweet potatoes for a colorful twist. Regular potatoes can substitute but the flavor and sweetness will change.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cook quickly and stay tender. You can also use thighs for juicier meat with a richer flavor.

Honey: This is the key sweetener for the sauce. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as gentle alternatives.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives great punch. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch but fresh is best for taste.

Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami. For gluten-free, choose tamari or coconut aminos.

Smoked Paprika: Brings smoky depth. If unavailable, regular paprika or a pinch of cumin can be used instead.

How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked & Crispy?

Cooking chicken for this dish means aiming for a golden, lightly crisp outside and juicy inside. Here’s how I do it:

• Pat chicken dry and season well with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a pan until shimmering but not smoking to avoid sticking.
• Place chicken in the hot pan without crowding to get a good sear.
• Cook without moving for 3-4 mins until golden, then flip carefully.
• After searing both sides, add your sauce and move pan to the oven to finish cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out.

These steps help lock in juices while letting the sauce caramelize nicely around the chicken.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing chicken on the stove and finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
• Baking sheet or roasting pan – great for roasting sweet potatoes evenly and getting crispy edges.
• Mixing bowl – easy for tossing sweet potatoes with oil and spices before roasting.
• Measuring spoons and cups – to help you get the honey garlic sauce just right.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic safely.
• Tongs or spatula – handy for flipping chicken without breaking the crust.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier and more flavorful meat.
• Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini for more veggies and color in the dish.
• Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to give the sauce a spicy kick.
• Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese after baking for a creamy, tangy contrast.

Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Chicken & Sauce:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to cook, including roasting the sweet potatoes and baking the chicken. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s ready in under an hour!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Get the Sweet Potatoes Ready:

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until they’re all coated well. Spread them out on a baking sheet or roasting pan, then roast for 20-25 minutes until they start to get soft.

2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce and Cook Chicken:

While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Move the onions to the side, then place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

3. Combine Everything and Finish Cooking:

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and onions, letting it coat everything nicely. Take out the sweet potatoes from the oven and add them to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, or arrange the chicken and onions on top of the sweet potatoes in the roasting pan. Pop the skillet or pan back in the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and spoon some of the delicious pan juices over the dish. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents extra moisture in the pan.

Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can chop the sweet potatoes and make the honey garlic sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble everything just before cooking for the freshest results.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain moisture and flavor.

What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato?

This dish is great on its own but pairs well with steamed green beans, a fresh salad, or rice to round out the meal.