Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients:
For the Barbecue Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet Potatoes:
3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Lime wedges for an extra zesty kick
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepping the Sweet Potatoes
The beauty of this dish starts with the sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully when roasted, giving the perfect contrast to the smoky barbecue chicken.
Cube the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
Season Generously: Toss the cubes in olive oil, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices elevate the sweet potatoes without overpowering their natural flavor.
Roast to Perfection: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even caramelization.
Preparing the Barbecue Chicken
Now let’s talk about the star of the show—the barbecue chicken. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, it’s everything you could want in a main dish.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step ensures the chicken has layers of flavor from the inside out.
Sear for Extra Flavor: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side to lock in those juices and create a golden crust.
Coat in Barbecue Sauce: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and generously coat each piece with barbecue sauce.
Bake to Juicy Perfection: Bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting with more barbecue sauce halfway through will add extra flavor.
Bringing It All Together
Now that your sweet potatoes and barbecue chicken are ready, it’s time to plate up!
Arrange Your Plate: Place a hearty serving of roasted sweet potatoes on one side of your plate. Add the barbecue chicken breast on the other.
Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. If you love a little zing, serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the chicken.
Wrapping It Up
And there you have it—a simple, flavorful barbecue chicken with sweet potatoes recipe that’s bound to become a household favorite. The combination of smoky, tangy chicken and sweet, caramelized potatoes is undeniably satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.
So, the next time you’re looking for a meal that feels like a celebration, give this recipe a try. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a gathering with friends, this dish will have everyone coming back for more.
Now it’s your turn—grab those ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get cooking!
