This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes recipe delivers juicy, glazed chicken with caramelized sweet potatoes in just one pan. It’s the kind of dinner that makes busy weeknights feel manageable without sacrificing flavor.
I still remember making this on a chaotic Thursday evening last fall. I was running behind after picking up the kids from soccer practice, and I needed something that wouldn’t keep me tethered to the stove. The sweet and tangy honey BBQ glaze bubbling on the chicken while the sweet potatoes roasted filled the kitchen with the most amazing aroma. My daughter actually put down her phone to ask what smelled so good. Now it’s become our regular rotation meal, especially when I need dinner done fast with minimal cleanup. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Fresh ingredients make a real difference in this recipe. I look for chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly, and I choose firm sweet potatoes without any soft spots for the best roasting results.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds subtle smoky depth)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce (look for one with natural ingredients)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adds gentle heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by getting everything prepped before you turn on the oven. This makes the actual cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large baking sheet. This prevents sticking and helps achieve beautiful caramelization on the sweet potatoes.
Step 2: Place the cubed sweet potatoes on one side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every cube is coated, then spread them in a single layer with about 1/2 inch space between pieces so they roast instead of steam.
Step 3: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Place them on the opposite side of the baking sheet from the sweet potatoes, leaving space between each piece.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Use a basting brush to apply roughly half of this glaze evenly over the chicken breasts, coating the tops completely.
Step 5: Roast everything in the oven for 25 minutes. The chicken will begin to firm up and the sweet potatoes will start softening.
Step 6: Remove the pan carefully from the oven. Brush the remaining honey BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts and gently toss the sweet potatoes with a spatula to promote even browning.
Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and have golden brown edges.
Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over everything before serving.
Delicious Side Dishes for Your Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
This dish pairs wonderfully with lighter sides that balance the sweetness of the glaze and potatoes.
Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the BBQ glaze and adds a refreshing crunch. Try pairing it with our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros for more fresh, veggie-forward meal ideas.
Roasted Broccoli: The slightly charred, earthy flavor of roasted broccoli complements the sweet and smoky notes while adding important nutrients. If you love easy sheet pan dinners, check out our Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies for another hands-off option.
Steamed Green Beans: Light and tender green beans provide a clean contrast to the sticky glaze without overwhelming your palate.
Fluffy Quinoa or Brown Rice: Wholesome grains soak up the delicious honey BBQ sauce and add protein and fiber to make the meal more filling. Our Smoky Honey BBQ Chicken Rice takes this flavor combination even further.
Garlic Butter Potatoes: If you want to double down on comfort food, roasted potatoes with garlic butter create an indulgent pairing. Try our Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for similar sheet pan magic.
Autumn Wild Rice: For a seasonal twist, nutty wild rice with fall vegetables makes this feel like a harvest dinner. Our Autumn Wild Rice Soup brings those same cozy flavors.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which makes this perfect for meal prep.
Reheat in the microwave for quick warming, or place the chicken and sweet potatoes in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes to retain moisture. If you’re into meal prep, our Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes offers another sweet and savory combination that reheats beautifully.
You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and often turn out juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few extra minutes to reach 165°F.
What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce?
Mix regular BBQ sauce with extra honey and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Start with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce plus 3 tablespoons honey and adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, or green beans work great. Add them during the last 15 minutes of roasting so they don’t overcook.
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes on one side of the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over them. Toss well to coat evenly and spread in a single layer with space between pieces.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken on the opposite side of the baking sheet from the sweet potatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Brush roughly half of this sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Roast the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Brush the chicken breasts with the remaining honey BBQ sauce and gently toss the sweet potatoes to promote even browning.
- Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender with golden brown edges.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and sweet potatoes before serving.
Notes
