Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato is a simple, comforting meal that’s full of sweet and savory flavors. The juicy chicken is glazed with a sticky honey garlic sauce, while the sweet potatoes roast up soft and caramelized, making them the perfect side. It’s an easy dish with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
I love making this recipe when I want something that feels a little special but doesn’t take all day in the kitchen. The honey garlic sauce is so tasty and comes together quickly, and you can even toss everything on a single pan for easy cleanup. I always find myself going back for seconds because the combination of that sweet sauce and tender chicken is just so good.
My favorite way to serve this dish is with a simple side of steamed greens or a crisp salad to balance out the sweetness. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy night, and it always gets compliments around the table. Plus, leftovers reheat really well, so it works great for lunch the next day too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders keeps the cooking quick and easy. If you prefer, thighs can be used for juicier meat—they just might take a few minutes longer to cook.
Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and a soft texture. You can swap with regular potatoes if you like, but sweet potatoes bring a nice balance to the honey garlic sauce.
Honey Garlic Sauce: Honey is the star here for sweetness. If you need a substitute, maple syrup works well. The garlic gives a punch of flavor, so fresh minced is best, but garlic powder is okay in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. It also helps balance the sweetness from the honey.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add color and crunch. You can swap with asparagus, broccoli, or snap peas based on your preference or what you have around.
How Do You Get the Honey Garlic Sauce Thick and Sticky?
The honey garlic sauce needs to cling nicely to the chicken for the best flavor. Here’s how to do that:
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar well so the flavors blend together.
- Brush the sauce over the chicken before baking to start glazing it.
- About 5 minutes before the end, brush the chicken with more sauce and bake uncovered. This helps the sauce thicken and become sticky without burning.
- Watch the chicken closely during this step to avoid overcooking.
These simple steps ensure the sauce caramelizes lightly and makes the chicken irresistible!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cast iron skillet or baking sheet – great for roasting chicken and sweet potatoes evenly and can go from stovetop to oven.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the honey garlic sauce without making a mess.
- Tongs or spatula – helps you turn the chicken and veggies easily without breaking them apart.
- Measuring spoons and cups – keeps your sauce balanced and flavors just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for cubing sweet potatoes and trimming green beans safely and quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breast for thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays moist longer.
- Add red bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and a fresh crunch alongside the green beans.
- Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions after baking for added texture and a bit of zest.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
For the Sauce and Seasoning:
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of active prep time, mainly chopping and mixing sauce. Roasting time is about 30-35 minutes total, including the sweet potatoes, chicken, and green beans. So, plan for approximately 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly oil a cast iron skillet to prevent sticking. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on one side of your baking sheet or skillet. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes to start softening them.
2. Season Chicken and Make Sauce:
While the sweet potatoes roast, season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar to make your tasty honey garlic sauce.
3. Add Chicken and Green Beans:
After 15 minutes, take the baking sheet or skillet out of the oven. Move the sweet potatoes to one side, then add the chicken. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and brush or drizzle half of the honey garlic sauce onto it. Toss your trimmed green beans with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange them on the baking sheet alongside the chicken and sweet potatoes.
4. Roast Everything Together:
Return the baking sheet or skillet to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Final Glaze and Garnish:
About 5 minutes before the food is done, brush the chicken with the remaining honey garlic sauce to create a shiny, sticky glaze. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like. Once finished, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and rosemary sprigs if using.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your honey garlic chicken, sweet potatoes, and green beans hot. You can plate them individually or leave everything in the skillet for an inviting rustic look. This dish balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors and makes for a comforting, delicious meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture that can affect roasting.
Can I Substitute the Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use regular potatoes, but roasting times may vary slightly. Other root vegetables like butternut squash or carrots also work well as alternatives.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating helps keep the chicken moist.
Is This Dish Gluten-Free?
It can be! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the sauce gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
