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To make this dish, gather these main ingredients: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients are simple, yet they pack a lot of flavor. The chicken thighs give a rich taste, while sweet potatoes add natural sweetness. You will also need some common pantry staples: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste These seasonings enhance the dish. They mix well with chicken and sweet potatoes, creating a tasty blend. For a fresh touch, consider these optional garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped Adding parsley on top adds color and a hint of freshness. It makes the dish look even more inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken thighs and sweet potatoes. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure even cooking. In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices. The spices include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss them well so that each piece gets coated. Next, spread the sweet potatoes on a large sheet pan. Make sure they are in a single layer for even baking. Now, pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely. In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil with salt, pepper, and any extra spices you like. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs. Place them skin-side up on the sheet pan, nestled between the sweet potatoes. Roast everything in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken skin should turn golden brown, and the sweet potatoes should become tender. Check the chicken's internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you want extra crispy skin, switch to broil mode. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The chicken will get a nice, crunchy layer. Once done, take the pan out of the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes. This step helps the juices settle, making the chicken moist. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish. Enjoy your meal straight from the pan or plate it up for a nice presentation! Seasoning makes a big difference in flavor. Start with salt and pepper. Use about 1 teaspoon of each. For more flavor, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. I like to mix spices in a bowl. This way, you coat everything evenly. Don’t forget the dried thyme and cumin for extra depth. Toss sweet potatoes well in the spice mix. It helps them absorb all the tasty flavors. Ovens can vary, so check your food as it cooks. Typically, chicken thighs take about 35-40 minutes at 400°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach 165°F for safety. If your sweet potatoes aren’t tender, give them a few extra minutes. You can also broil the chicken skin for 2-3 minutes. This makes it crispy and golden. Serving straight from the sheet pan looks great and is easy. If you want a fancier look, plate the chicken and sweet potatoes separately. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color. You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies. This adds freshness and balances the meal. Enjoy this easy, delicious dish with family or friends! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Customize the Spices: Feel free to play with the spice blend! Adding cayenne pepper for heat or rosemary for a different flavor profile can enhance the dish. Batch Cooking: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can double the ingredients and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal throughout the week. Let it Rest: After roasting, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. If you want a meat-free option, use chickpeas or tofu. For sweet potatoes, try butternut squash or carrots for a different taste. You can also use other spices like chili powder or rosemary. These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting. If you don’t have an oven, you can make this dish on the grill. Just place the chicken and sweet potatoes in a grill basket. Cook on medium heat, turning often. You can also use an air fryer. Cook at 380°F for about 25-30 minutes. This method gives a crispy texture while saving time. To boost flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice or yogurt before cooking. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the taste. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese on top before serving. It adds a salty and creamy touch. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sweet potatoes. These enhancements make the meal truly delightful. After enjoying your meal, let the chicken and sweet potatoes cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for later. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat, pull out the leftovers. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, checking often. If you want to freeze, pack the food in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to label them with the date. You can freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy this tasty dish any time! The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh. It is important to avoid cutting into the chicken, which can let the juices escape. Yes, you can use many other vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli work well. Just cut them to similar sizes as the sweet potatoes. This way, they cook evenly. You can also try adding zucchini or green beans for a fresh twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed. It takes about 35 to 40 minutes to cook the chicken thighs. Cooking time may vary based on your oven and the size of the thighs. Always check for that safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the chicken skin needs more crispiness, broil it for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. Enjoy your delicious meal! This blog post covered everything you need for cooking chicken thighs. We started with the main ingredients and pantry staples. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. I offered tips on seasoning, cooking time, and serving. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers safely. In summary, cooking should be fun and easy. Follow these steps, and enjoy tasty meals with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Savory Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring chicken thighs and sweet potatoes, seasoned to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss until the sweet potatoes are well coated.
  • On a large sheet pan, spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in an even layer.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the remaining tablespoon of olive oil with some salt, pepper, and additional spices (if desired). Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  • Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the sheet pan, nestled between the sweet potatoes.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the sweet potatoes are tender.
  • If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the chicken skin.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve straight from the sheet pan for a rustic look, or plate individually with parsley garnish.
Keyword chicken, easy dinner, sheet pan, sweet potatoes