Okay, so you know those nights when it feels like you’ve barely got five minutes to even *think* about dinner, let alone cook a whole meal? This Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is my absolute go-to for exactly those moments. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver! It’s healthy, ridiculously easy, and all cooks on one pan so cleanup is a breeze. I stumbled upon this simple combo years ago when I was juggling work and trying to eat better, and it’s been a staple ever since. That perfect balance of tender chicken and sweet, caramelized potatoes is just *mmm*!
Why You'll Love This Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
This dish is a total winner for so many reasons:
- So stinkin’ easy – practically makes itself!
- Amazingly delicious flavor combo.
- Super healthy and good for you.
- Perfect for busy weeknights, seriously!
- One pan means minimal cleanup. Woohoo!
- So versatile, you can tweak it however you like.
Ingredients for Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
You only need a few simple things for this easy dinner!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Essential Equipment for Your Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
You won’t need a lot of fancy gadgets for this one!
- A good-sized baking sheet (or two if your sweet potatoes are packed)
- A large bowl for mixing everything up
- A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the veggies
- Measuring spoons and cups
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Alright, let’s get this dinner party started! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll be whipping this up without even thinking about it. Preheat oven to 400°F (that’s 200°C for you folks who like things precise!). Getting that oven nice and hot is key for those yummy crispy edges.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
First things first, grab your sweet potatoes. Peel ’em if you like, or just scrub ’em really well – I sometimes leave the skin on for extra fiber and a bit of chew. Cube them up into about 1-inch pieces. Pop them into a big bowl. Drizzle in about a tablespoon of that luscious olive oil, then sprinkle on your salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Give it all a good toss so every single cube is coated. You want them looking all seasoned and ready to go!
Seasoning and Adding the Chicken
Now, for the chicken! Pat those breasts dry with a paper towel – this helps them brown up nicely. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over them and give them a quick rub. For extra flavor boost, you could totally throw these in a quick marinade before this step, maybe something like this grilled chicken marinade! Or, if you’re feeling a different vibe, check out this air fryer teriyaki chicken idea for inspiration on flavorings. Once your sweet potatoes have been chilling in the oven for about 20 minutes and are starting to get tender, carefully pull the baking sheet out. Now, nestle those seasoned chicken breasts right in amongst the sweet potatoes. Try to give everything a little breathing room so it all roasts instead of steams.
Baking to Perfection
Pop that baking sheet back into the hot oven. Let everything bake together for another 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked all the way through – no pink inside! – and the sweet potatoes to be fork-tender and a little caramelized around the edges. A quick tip: if your sweet potatoes are done way before the chicken, you can carefully remove them to a plate and let the chicken finish up. Once it’s all done, let it rest for about 5 minutes right on the pan. This is super important because it lets all those delicious juices redistribute, making your chicken extra juicy.
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Okay, so trust me on this one: getting your sweet potatoes to turn out perfectly tender and a little bit caramelized is all about giving them a head start. Baking them first for 20 minutes before adding the chicken makes a world of difference! It ensures they’re super soft and sweet when the chicken is perfectly cooked. And speaking of chicken, make sure it’s not too thick! If you have really chunky chicken breasts, you might want to slice them in half horizontally so they cook evenly with the potatoes. For a real flavor kick, check out this balsamic baked chicken breast recipe for some inspiration on how to elevate your chicken game!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to play around! If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, boneless, skinless thighs are fantastic here, they’re super forgiving and add even more flavor. Just keep an eye on ’em, they might take a few extra minutes to cook. And sweet potatoes? Switch ’em up with regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even parsnips if you’re feeling adventurous! For even more ideas on using sweet potatoes, check out these yummy sweet potato bowls. You can totally amp up the flavor too – try adding a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme with the potatoes, or toss the chicken in some BBQ seasoning for a whole different vibe!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
This wonderful chicken and sweet potato bake is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to jazz it up, try serving it with a light green salad or some steamed green beans. A side of my super easy honey garlic roasted carrots would also be divine! It’s all about adding a little freshness to balance out those sweet, savory flavors.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra baked chicken and sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your friend for a quick warm-up, or you can pop them back in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep things from getting mushy.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates! The exact nutritional info for this baked chicken with sweet potatoes can change a bit depending on the exact size of your chicken breasts and sweet potatoes. But generally, a serving will give you about 450 calories, 15g of fat, and a hearty 35g of protein. For more healthy ideas, check out these diabetic-friendly low-carb recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Got questions about this easy dinner? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this baked chicken with sweet potatoes?
Oh yeah, totally! Chicken thighs are actually fantastic here – they stay extra moist and have a richer flavor. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, maybe 5-10, to make sure they’re cooked through.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You bet! Broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, red onion wedges, or even zucchini chunks toss in beautifully. Just add them in the last 20 minutes of baking so they don’t get too mushy.
Another great option is to tuck some brussels sprouts in there!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer – you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Or, just cut into the thickest piece with a knife; the juices should run clear, and there should be absolutely no pink inside!
PrintBaked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
A simple and healthy baked chicken and sweet potato dish.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 60 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, toss the chicken breasts with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- After 20 minutes, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the baking sheet.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: baked chicken, sweet potatoes, healthy dinner, easy recipe, one-pan meal
