When it comes to weeknight dinners that are both wholesome and full of flavor, Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans checks all the boxes. This one-pan meal combines tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans. It’s a balanced, nutritious dinner that’s simple to prepare, cleanup is a breeze, and everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
In this article, you’ll discover why this recipe is a must-try, step-by-step cooking instructions, nutritional info, and presentation tips to make your dinner both tasty and beautiful.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish strikes a perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- Sweet and Savory: The honey garlic sauce offers just the right amount of sweetness with a savory, garlicky punch.
- Balanced Meal: Protein from the chicken, complex carbs from the sweet potatoes, and fiber plus vitamins from green beans make it a well-rounded dish.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Roasting everything together means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Family Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, it appeals to adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: About 50 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on one side of the baking sheet.
3. Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken skin-side up on the other side of the baking sheet.
4. Roast the chicken and sweet potatoes: Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Prepare the honey garlic sauce: While the chicken and potatoes roast, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
6. Add the green beans: After the initial 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the green beans to the pan, drizzling them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
7. Brush chicken with sauce: Using a brush or spoon, coat the chicken thighs generously with the honey garlic sauce.
8. Roast again: Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender. The green beans should be crisp-tender.
9. Final glaze: For an extra glossy finish, brush chicken and veggies once more with the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 14g (mostly from honey and sweet potatoes)
- Sodium: 400mg
This dish provides a good balance of macronutrients with plenty of vitamins A and C from the sweet potatoes and green beans.
Presentation Tips
- Colorful plating: Arrange chicken thighs in the center with sweet potatoes and green beans fanned around the edges for a vibrant, inviting look.
- Add a fresh element: Garnish with lemon wedges or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for brightness.
- Serve with a side: Complement the meal with a simple mixed green salad or crusty bread to soak up the honey garlic sauce.
Variations and Customizations
- Protein swap: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Veggie swap: Substitute green beans with asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- Sauce variations: Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist or a teaspoon of grated ginger for extra zing.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans offers a perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and healthy. The ease of cooking everything on one pan makes it incredibly practical, and the deliciously sticky, sweet garlic glaze elevates the dish to something special without any fuss.
Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience. It’s a dish you can feel good about serving any day of the week.