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Easy Crispy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Recipe with Sweet Potatoes Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

easy crispy sheet pan bbq chicken - featured image

A quick and satisfying sheet pan meal featuring crispy BBQ chicken thighs and caramelized sweet potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to come to temperature for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Toss them in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In another bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  4. Arrange sweet potatoes on one half of a rimmed 18×13-inch sheet pan, spreading them out to avoid overcrowding. Place chicken thighs skin-side up on the other half.
  5. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
  6. Carefully remove the pan and brush the chicken thighs generously with BBQ sauce. Toss the sweet potatoes with pan drippings and add a little extra salt if needed.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the skin is golden and crispy, and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and caramelized.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispy skin. Roast at high heat (425°F) for best caramelization. Brush BBQ sauce late in cooking to prevent burning. Flip chicken halfway through roasting for even crisping. If chicken skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 2-3 minutes watching closely. Sweet potatoes can be swapped with butternut squash or carrots. For a spicy twist, add cayenne or chili powder to BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, sheet pan dinner, sweet potatoes, crispy chicken, easy weeknight meal, one-pan meal, healthy dinner