Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato

Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato is a delicious and simple meal that combines tender chicken with a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce. The sweet potatoes add a soft,…

By Julia • November 6, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato is a delicious and simple meal that combines tender chicken with a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce. The sweet potatoes add a soft, comforting touch with their natural sweetness and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. This dish is all about those easy flavors coming together in one pan for a satisfying dinner.

I love making this recipe because it feels both special and straightforward. The honey and garlic create such a cozy glaze on the chicken, and the sweet potatoes soak up all those flavors while roasting. I usually use fresh garlic cloves to get a nice, punchy taste and let the honey do its magic without overpowering anything.

My favorite way to serve this meal is right out of the oven with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad to keep it light. It’s also great for leftovers since the flavors deepen after a day. I often make this on busy weeknights because it’s rewarding, tasty, and doesn’t require lots of fuss. Give it a try – I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to meals!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work well here. Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breasts are leaner. If you prefer, turkey breast can be a good swap too.

Sweet Potatoes: Use firm, medium-sized ones for even cooking. You can substitute with regular potatoes if needed, but sweet potatoes add extra natural sweetness.

Garlic & Honey: Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. For honey, raw or regular both work—maple syrup can replace honey for a slightly different sweetness.

Soy Sauce & Vinegar: Low sodium soy sauce keeps the dish balanced but regular is fine. Rice vinegar adds bright acidity; apple cider vinegar is a handy alternative and tastes great too.

Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and zest but is optional. Ground ginger or a tiny pinch of cinnamon also works if fresh isn’t available.

How Do You Get the Perfect Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce?

The sauce is the star here. To get it just right, start by gently warming the garlic in a saucepan. This softens its sharpness. Then add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.

• Simmer the sauce on medium heat to let it thicken—watch and stir often so it doesn’t burn.
• It should become syrupy, coating the back of a spoon after about 3-5 minutes.
• Remove from heat early if it starts to get too thick—it will thicken more when it cools.

This method keeps the sauce smooth, balanced, and perfectly sticky to coat your chicken and sweet potatoes.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – to roast chicken and sweet potatoes evenly without crowding.
• Small saucepan – for simmering and thickening the honey garlic sauce gently.
• Mixing bowl – to toss chicken and sweet potatoes with oil and seasoning.
• Sharp knife – for cutting chicken and sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces.
• Tongs or spatula – to turn ingredients halfway through roasting for even cooking.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a quick seafood twist that cooks fast and tastes great with honey garlic sauce.
• Add steamed broccoli or green beans for extra veggies and color.
• Mix in a splash of lime juice or zest before serving for bright, fresh flavor.
• Top with chopped toasted almonds or sesame seeds to add crunch and nuttiness.

Honey Garlic Chicken And Sweet Potato

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to roast, so plan for about 35 minutes total from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for any weeknight.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare and Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on one side of the baking sheet. On the other side, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is spread out so it roasts well. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken is cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.

2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the chicken and sweet potatoes roast, combine minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat.

3. Combine and Serve

When the chicken and sweet potatoes are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over and toss gently until everything is coated nicely. Plate the dish and finish by sprinkling with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot alongside steamed greens or rice for a full meal.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken, sweet potatoes, and sauce in advance, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating, either in the microwave or on the stove.

What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken and Sweet Potato?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed greens, a fresh salad, or cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or sautéed vegetables.