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- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on for optimal flavor) - 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes) - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil The main ingredients bring great taste and texture to this dish. Chicken thighs have rich flavor and stay juicy during cooking. Sweet potatoes add sweetness and nutrients. Olive oil helps with cooking and adds a nice finish. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper These seasonings are key to making the dish pop. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor. Garlic and onion powders provide savory depth. Salt and pepper enhance all these flavors, bringing everything together. - 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The barbecue sauce gives the chicken a sweet and tangy glaze. Apple cider vinegar brightens the dish and balances the sweetness. Fresh parsley adds a splash of color and freshness when you serve the meal. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps cook everything evenly. 2. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and stops sticking. 1. In a big bowl, add 2 large sweet potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes. 2. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. 3. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper. 4. Toss the sweet potatoes with your hands. Make sure they are well coated. 5. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on one half of the sheet pan. This helps them cook and caramelize nicely. 1. In the same bowl, place 4 chicken thighs. 2. Pour in 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. 3. Mix gently until all the chicken is covered in sauce. 4. Place the coated chicken on the other half of the sheet pan. Make sure they do not touch. This allows hot air to move around for even cooking. 5. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender. 6. For a shiny finish, brush on more barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking. 7. After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This makes the chicken juicier. 8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. This adds color and freshness. Best barbecue sauce options I love using a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Look for a sauce with a good balance of sweetness and spice. Some people prefer a smoky flavor, while others enjoy a classic vinegar-based sauce. Experiment to find your favorite! Importance of marinating chicken Marinating chicken adds depth and flavor. A simple mix of barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar works well. Aim to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This infuses flavors and makes the chicken juicy. How to achieve crispy skin on chicken To get crispy skin, start with bone-in, skin-on chicken. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel before seasoning. A high oven temperature helps, too. Bake the chicken at 400°F for a lovely golden color. Brush on extra barbecue sauce in the last few minutes for added crunch. Tips for perfect sweet potatoes For sweet potatoes, cutting them into even cubes ensures they cook evenly. Toss them well with olive oil and spices to coat every piece. Spread them out in a single layer on the pan. This helps them caramelize nicely and get crispy edges. Presentation ideas Serving from the sheet pan looks rustic and fun. You can also plate individual portions. Place a scoop of sweet potatoes next to the chicken for a colorful dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pairing side dishes This meal pairs well with a fresh green salad or coleslaw. You can also serve corn on the cob or baked beans for a hearty touch. These sides complement the flavors of the chicken and sweet potatoes perfectly. {{image_4}} You can switch out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts cook faster and are leaner. For a twist, try using turkey thighs or even pork chops. If you want to change up the veggies, sweet potatoes work great. You can also use carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers. Each adds its own flavor and texture. Mix up the taste by trying different spice blends. A Cajun mix can add a nice kick. You can also use Italian herbs for a fresh twist. If you like heat, add some hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. This simple change can take your dish to a whole new level. For gluten-free options, choose a gluten-free barbecue sauce. Always check labels to be sure. If you're looking for a vegan or vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu in the barbecue sauce for extra flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Then, place the chicken and sweet potatoes in airtight containers. Make sure to keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. For the best taste, reheat in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish to keep it moist. This helps maintain the texture. If you want to freeze portions, cool the dish completely. Then, place servings in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it in the oven or microwave. This will keep the flavors and texture intact. It takes about 35-40 minutes to cook BBQ chicken thighs on a sheet pan. Chicken thighs cook well at this time and temperature. If you use chicken breasts, check them after 25-30 minutes. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. Cut the sweet potatoes and season them. Coat the chicken with BBQ sauce and store both in the fridge. You can prepare them up to a day early. This helps save time on busy nights. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. There are many great sides you can serve. Here are a few ideas: - A fresh green salad for crunch. - Steamed broccoli for a healthy touch. - Corn on the cob for a sweet flavor. - Coleslaw for a creamy contrast. These sides will add color and balance to your meal, making it even more delightful. This blog post covered a simple and tasty way to make BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and cooking steps. The tips shared will help enhance flavor and improve cooking techniques. Don’t forget to try the variations for added fun. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy this meal for days. Now, you’re ready to create a delicious dish that impresses family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Elevate your dinner game with this delightful Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken & Sweet Potatoes recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal combines juicy chicken thighs with caramelized sweet potatoes, all smothered in mouthwatering barbecue sauce. With just 15 minutes of prep, you'll have a delicious, hassle-free dinner ready in under an hour. Click through to explore the full recipe and get tips for perfecting this savory dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on for optimal flavor)

2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To simplify cleanup, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper, which will also prevent sticking.

    Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed sweet potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to toss the sweet potatoes thoroughly until they're evenly coated in the seasoning.

      Arrange on Sheet Pan: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer over one half of the prepared sheet pan. This ensures even cooking and caramelization.

        Coat the Chicken: In the same mixing bowl that contained the sweet potatoes, place the chicken thighs. Pour in the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar, then mix gently until each piece of chicken is generously coated in the sauce.

          Place Chicken on Pan: Position the barbecue-coated chicken thighs on the opposite half of the sheet pan from the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for proper airflow and even cooking.

            Bake: Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

              Add Extra Glaze: For a glossy finish, carefully brush additional barbecue sauce on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.

                Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for juicier chicken.

                  Serve: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the sheet pan for a rustic touch, or plate individual portions with a scoop of sweet potatoes alongside the glistening chicken for an eye-catching meal. Enjoy!