If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor but won’t keep you tied to the stove, this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe is the perfect match. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts glazed with a luscious honey and smoky BBQ sauce, paired with sweet potatoes that soak up all those rich, caramelized juices. This dish brings together sweetness, tang, and a touch of savory magic—all roasted together on one pan for easy cleanup and maximum taste. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s colorful, flavorful, and comforting. Each element plays its part in balancing sweetness, smoky depth, and a satisfying texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that stays juicy throughout baking.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), diced: Adds a natural sweetness and hearty bite, absorbing all the BBQ goodness.
- 1/4 cup honey: Provides a golden sweetness that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety recommended): Brings smoky, tangy notes that intensify the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the chicken and sweet potatoes roast evenly and develop crisp edges.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the delicious flavors.
- Fresh herbs (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to a warm 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken and sweet potatoes cook perfectly, developing that sought-after caramelized crust. Meanwhile, gather your ingredients for a smooth, uninterrupted cooking flow.
Step 2: Toss Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts and diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning coats everything evenly, allowing each piece to roast beautifully without drying out or sticking to the pan.
Step 3: Whisk Your Honey BBQ Glaze
Mix the honey and smoky BBQ sauce in a separate bowl until smooth. This glaze is the heart of the dish, marrying sweetness and smoky flavor into a luscious coating that infuses the chicken with every bite.
Step 4: Arrange Everything on One Pan
Place the chicken breasts on one side of your baking dish and the sweet potatoes on the other. Separating them slightly lets each item crisp up in its own way while still sharing those wonderful roasting juices.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake
Brush the honey BBQ sauce generously over the chicken breasts, covering every inch. Bake everything for about 30-35 minutes until the chicken is golden, slightly caramelized, and cooked through, and the sweet potatoes are tender with crisp edges. The aroma filling your kitchen here is simply irresistible.
How to Serve One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness and amps up the presentation. A few cracks of black pepper on top right before serving also elevates the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this dish stands strong on its own, feel free to pair it with a crisp green salad or a simple steamed vegetable like broccoli for balance and extra nutrition. A light coleslaw can also complement the smoky-sweet profile perfectly, delivering crunch and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced against the grain with a colorful pile of the roasted sweet potatoes on the side. Drizzle any leftover honey BBQ sauce from the pan over everything to keep flavors vibrant and juicy. For a family-style meal, place the whole pan in the center of the table to share the warmth and goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers as well! Place the chicken and sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain that lovely roasted texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the texture might be softer.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but cooking times may increase slightly. Bone-in pieces add extra flavor and moisture, making for a delicious variation.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky BBQ sauce complements the honey’s sweetness beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite brand or variety. If you like heat, a spicy BBQ sauce works well too.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, red onions, or green beans can be added alongside the sweet potatoes. Just keep similar cooking times in mind to ensure everything roasts evenly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure your BBQ sauce is labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and juices run clear when cut.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and easy techniques can come together to create an extraordinary meal. It’s flavorful, fuss-free, and perfect for busy cooks who still crave home-cooked goodness. Give it a try, and I promise this dish will quickly become one of your favorites to make again and again.
Print
One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ glaze, paired beautifully with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes. Everything cooks together on a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound), diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey BBQ Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky variety recommended)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts and diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Make the Honey BBQ Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey and smoky BBQ sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the chicken breasts on one side of a large baking dish and the diced sweet potatoes on the other side to allow even cooking.
- Glaze the Chicken: Generously brush the honey BBQ glaze over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and caramelized, and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped herbs before serving for an added burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness or pound slightly for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or flavor variants.
- Check sweet potatoes for tenderness by piercing with a fork before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
