Description
This cozy sheet pan dinner features juicy BBQ chicken thighs and caramelized sweet potatoes, all roasted together for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lb)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for chicken)
- Salt & pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper per thigh)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sweet potatoes)
- Salt & pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper)
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon for sweet potatoes
- Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Rub mixture all over chicken thighs.
- In a medium bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper (plus cinnamon if desired) until evenly coated.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on one half of the sheet pan. Spread sweet potatoes on the other half in a single layer.
- Roast for 25 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven and brush chicken thighs generously with BBQ sauce. Toss sweet potatoes gently for even browning.
- Return pan to oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispy skin, if desired.
- Check for doneness: chicken juices should run clear, and potatoes should pierce easily with a fork. Remove potatoes early if needed.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro and sliced green onions. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For crispier skin, pat chicken dry before seasoning. Spread ingredients in a single layer for best roasting. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through. Substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or butternut squash if desired. For gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce. Prep ingredients ahead for easy weeknight cooking. Broil at the end for extra caramelization.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh + 1/
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 22
Keywords: BBQ chicken, sheet pan dinner, sweet potatoes, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, gluten-free, dairy-free, weeknight recipe