Sheet Pan Chicken With Sweet Potatoes
Highlighted under: Home Healthy Meals Favorites
I love making Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes for dinner because it’s both satisfying and effortless. All the ingredients roast together on a single pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, while the sweet potatoes become perfectly caramelized. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that highlights how easy it can be to prepare a wholesome dinner without a lot of fuss. This dish is perfect when I want something comforting yet healthy, and it always delivers.
During my kitchen experiments, I discovered the joy of a one-pan meal and how it can save time without sacrificing flavor. Roasting chicken and sweet potatoes together not only infuses the sweet potatoes with savory chicken juices but also creates a beautiful caramelization. I recommend choosing sweet potatoes of similar sizes for even cooking, which ensures that each bite is consistently delicious.
I've tried numerous seasoning blends, but a simple mix of olive oil, garlic, and rosemary elevates the flavors beautifully. This method works wonders for busy weeknights, allowing me to focus on my family while this dish bakes to perfection in the oven. The aroma alone is enough to make everyone gather around the dinner table!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A complete meal made on one pan, saving time on prep and clean-up
- Juicy chicken with crispy edges paired with sweet, caramelized potatoes
- Flavorful seasoning that enhances every bite without overwhelming the dish
Flavor Development
The combination of hearty chicken thighs and sweet potatoes creates a delightful balance of flavors. The bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs contribute richness and moisture during roasting. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless thighs for a leaner option, but keep in mind that they might cook faster and require careful monitoring to avoid dryness. The garlic and rosemary not only enhance the chicken but also infuse the sweet potatoes with an aromatic profile, making every bite satisfying.
When incorporating olive oil into the chicken marinade, aim for a light coating that allows for better browning. If you find that the chicken isn't browning to your liking, you might consider broiling it for a couple of minutes at the end of the roasting period. This small adjustment can create those crispy, golden edges that contrast beautifully with the tender meat and sweet potato mash.
Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that complements the savory chicken. Make sure to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Dicing them into 1-inch cubes works well, as this size typically cooks in about 30 minutes alongside the chicken. If you're short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes for a few minutes to kickstart the cooking process before adding them to the baking sheet.
If you're looking to elevate the flavor further, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey on the sweet potatoes before roasting. This will create a caramelized exterior and enhance their sweetness, creating a delightful contrast with the savory chicken. Remember to keep an eye on them, as caramelization can lead to undesirable burning if left unattended.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the mixture.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
In another bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the chicken thighs on one side of a parchment-lined baking sheet and the seasoned sweet potatoes on the other side.
Roast in the Oven
Roast everything in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Serve
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with lemon wedges if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for a few hours before cooking. Also, feel free to substitute the chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is a great candidate for meal prep. You can easily marinate the chicken thighs the night before and let them sit in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors until you're ready to roast. Additionally, the diced sweet potatoes can be prepped ahead of time; just store them in an airtight container to prevent browning.
Once cooked, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. They reheat well in the microwave or can be baked in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish also freezes beautifully. Simply package the cooled meal in a freezer-safe container, and it can be stored for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this dish with lemon wedges adds a fresh brightness that elevates the flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice just before eating brightens the savory notes and offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet potatoes. For a more filling meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or steamed green beans to balance the plate with some greens.
If you want to vary the vegetables, feel free to swap out the sweet potatoes for butternut squash or carrots. Both options roast well and carry their own distinct flavors. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly based on the vegetable chosen, as some may require more or less time to become tender.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots are great options. Just ensure they have similar cook times to sweet potatoes.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, just pop everything on the baking sheet.
→ Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure to use a larger baking sheet or two separate sheets to allow for even roasting.
Sheet Pan Chicken With Sweet Potatoes
I love making Sheet Pan Chicken with Sweet Potatoes for dinner because it’s both satisfying and effortless. All the ingredients roast together on a single pan, which makes cleanup a breeze. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, while the sweet potatoes become perfectly caramelized. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that highlights how easy it can be to prepare a wholesome dinner without a lot of fuss. This dish is perfect when I want something comforting yet healthy, and it always delivers.
Created by: Esme Caldwell
Recipe Type: Home Healthy Meals Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the mixture.
In another bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
Place the chicken thighs on one side of a parchment-lined baking sheet and the seasoned sweet potatoes on the other side.
Roast everything in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with lemon wedges if desired.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for a few hours before cooking. Also, feel free to substitute the chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 26g