Name: One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

You know those recipes that just make weeknight dinners feel like a treat? That’s exactly what this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe does for me. It’s one of those meals where everything comes together simply, but the flavors feel so thoughtful and balanced—sweet, smoky, a little tangy, and just downright comforting.

What I love most is how easy it is to throw together after a busy day. This recipe is perfect when you want something hearty without the hassle of a million pots and pans. Plus, the sweet potatoes soak up all that juicy chicken goodness and BBQ sauce, creating a plate that’s seriously satisfying. You’re gonna want to make this recipe a weekly staple once you try it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe really comes down to simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I like to use good quality honey BBQ sauce—it makes all the difference. And don’t skimp on the sweet potatoes; their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I often choose chicken breasts for their quick cooking and lean protein, but thighs work well too if you want juicier meat.
Sweet potatoes: Make sure to get firm, unblemished ones. Peeling and cutting into 1-inch cubes helps them roast evenly alongside the chicken.
Olive oil: Dividing it between the chicken and sweet potatoes keeps everything moist and helps with caramelization.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Smoked paprika: This brings a lovely smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential to season and balance the flavors.
Honey BBQ sauce: The star of the show—choose a sauce you love, or mix homemade if you want an extra personal touch.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce on the chicken.
Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash gives the sauce a nice tang to cut through the sweetness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick, especially if you like some heat in your BBQ dishes.
Fresh parsley: A fresh garnish to brighten up the finished dish.

Variations

One of the great things about the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your tastes or dietary needs. I often like to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my pantry.

Chicken thighs instead of breasts: I sometimes grab thighs when I want a juicier, more flavorful chicken with a bit more fat—it stays tender even if you leave it in the oven a little longer.
Use different root vegetables: I’ve swapped in butternut squash or even carrots when sweet potatoes aren’t available for a similar sweetness and color.
Spicy twist: Adding extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture gives it a fun heat that my family loves.
Make it paleo or Whole30: Choose compliant BBQ sauce and honey alternatives or omit honey for these diets.

How to Make One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into about 1-inch cubes—this ensures they roast evenly and finish around the same time as the chicken. Pat your chicken breasts dry to help them brown nicely. Then, toss the sweet potatoes in about one tablespoon of olive oil along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. I like to coat the chicken with the other tablespoon of olive oil and season it similarly so every bite has flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a small bowl, mix your honey BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This combo hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, and a little spicy. Stir it well, and this will be the glaze that coats your chicken perfectly.

Step 3: Arrange and Roast

On a rimmed baking sheet or large ovenproof pan, spread the sweet potatoes out so they have some space to crisp up. Nestle the chicken breasts among the sweet potatoes and brush the honey BBQ sauce generously over each piece. Pop it in a preheated 400°F oven. Roasting for about 25-30 minutes usually does the trick—just make sure the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, I like to give everything a final brush with any leftover sauce for an extra glossy finish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. That little green touch really brightens the dish and adds an herbaceous note that balances out the sweetness.

How to Serve One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish here—it adds a lovely color pop and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few thinly sliced green onions for a bit more texture and fragrance.

Side Dishes

This dish is so flavorful and filling on its own that I often serve it with a simple side salad—something crunchy and green like a classic Caesar or a fresh cucumber salad. When I want more veggies, I add a quick sauté of spinach or kale to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m hosting, I like to transfer the chicken and sweet potatoes onto a big rustic platter and garnish with lots of fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It looks impressive but takes hardly any extra effort. For a casual meal, serving directly from the pan is cozy and keeps everything warm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3-4 days. I always find that the flavors deepen overnight, which makes for an even tastier lunch the next day.

Freezing

While I don’t freeze it often because it disappears so quickly, this recipe freezes well. Just package single portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer an oven or toaster oven to help maintain crispiness on the sweet potatoes and keep the chicken moist. A quick 15-20 minutes at 350°F works well. Microwaving can work in a pinch but might make the sweet potatoes a little soft.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, especially if you leave the skin on. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they might take a few extra minutes compared to breasts.
What if I don’t have honey BBQ sauce—can I substitute something else?

You can use regular BBQ sauce mixed with some honey to mimic the sweetness. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika can help balance the flavors. Homemade BBQ sauce also works wonderfully if you have one on hand.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

The best test is to pierce them with a fork or skewer—they should be tender and easily pierced without being mushy. Usually, about 25-30 minutes at 400°F hits the right texture when cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just check that your honey BBQ sauce is gluten-free, as some store-bought versions contain gluten. Keep other ingredients naturally gluten-free (which most are) and you’re good to go.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It stores and reheats really well, making it a fantastic choice for batch cooking. Portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s simple, reliable, and so full of flavor without any fuss. I’m always amazed how just a few ingredients roasted together can create such a satisfying meal. I hope you’ll give it a go and find it as comforting and easy as I do. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to for busy nights and happy dinners.