This Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet and sticky delight, served with tasty sweet potatoes. The combo of juicy chicken and soft, flavorful sweet potatoes is hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are my favorite for this recipe since they’re juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, use chicken breasts instead. You can even substitute with tofu for a vegetarian dish!
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star side dish! If you can’t find sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash work well too. They will change the flavor a bit but still taste great when roasted.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the chicken. If you’re vegan, try maple syrup, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Soy Sauce: This gives the chicken a savory kick. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce is also a great way to keep the dish lighter.
How Can You Ensure Your Chicken Turns Out Juicy?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can keep them juicy and tasty. First, don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet and season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional spices before adding it.
- Cook on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side without moving it too much. This helps it get a nice sear.
- Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices stay inside!
These steps will help ensure your chicken is delicious and full of flavor every time! Happy cooking!
Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or dried thyme
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to cook. In total, you should set aside about 40 minutes to make this yummy meal! It’s a quick and easy dinner option for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your sweet potatoes cook perfectly!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a medium bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with half of the olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and thyme. Make sure they’re evenly coated. After that, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet for roasting.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking to get all sides golden and caramelized.
4. Cook the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika if you like a bit of extra flavor. Add the chicken to the skillet and let it cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then, stir in the honey and soy sauce, ensuring each piece of chicken is nicely coated. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit.
6. Plate and Serve:
Once everything is ready, it’s time to serve! Place the honey garlic chicken on a plate alongside the roasted sweet potatoes. Finish it off by garnishing with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, savory honey garlic chicken paired with tender roasted sweet potatoes. It’s a comforting and delicious meal!
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes That Are Already Cooked?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked sweet potatoes, you can simply dice them and add them to the skillet after you cook the chicken. Just toss them in the honey garlic sauce for a few minutes to warm through.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a honey substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup work well for a similar sweetness. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a little water to achieve a syrupy consistency.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just add them to the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes or sauté them in the skillet with the chicken for something extra!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the chicken’s juiciness and the sweet potatoes’ texture.