Chili and Brown Sugar Spice Rub Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Elevate your dinner routine with this sweet and savory Chili and Brown Sugar Spice Rub Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe. This dish combines juicy chicken coated in a perfectly balanced spice rub with tender, caramelized sweet potatoes. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving more. Best of all, this recipe is simple to prepare and makes an excellent option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Flavor Profile: The chili powder brings a smoky heat, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that complements the chicken and sweet potatoes perfectly.
2. One-Pan Simplicity: With everything cooked together on a single sheet pan, cleanup is a breeze.
3. Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein, complex carbs, and vitamins, this dish is both hearty and healthy.
4. Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap in your favorite vegetables for endless possibilities.

How to Make Chili and Brown Sugar Spice Rub Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Rub

• In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Mix well to create a uniform spice blend.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

1. Coat the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the chicken.
   • Use your hands to massage the spices into the chicken, ensuring full coverage.
2. Set Aside:
   • Allow the chicken to sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare the sweet potatoes.

Step 4: Season the Sweet Potatoes

1. Toss with Oil and Seasonings:
   • In a separate bowl, add the cubed sweet potatoes.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
   • Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 5: Arrange on the Sheet Pan

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes onto one side of the sheet pan in an even layer.
   • Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the other side of the pan.
2. Ensure Space:
   • Leave space between each chicken breast and the sweet potatoes for even cooking.

Step 6: Bake the Dish

• Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 7: Optional Broil for Crispiness

• For extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
• Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

1. Rest the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Assemble:
   • Plate the chicken alongside the roasted sweet potatoes.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lime wedges, if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Even Cooking: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Prevent Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a meat thermometer to check doneness.
3. Make it Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
4. Customizable Vegetables: Swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash, carrots, or baby potatoes for variety.

Variations

1. Honey-Glazed: Drizzle honey over the chicken and sweet potatoes before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas seasoned with the spice rub.
3. Meal Prep: Divide the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes into meal prep containers for a quick, ready-to-eat lunch.
4. Grill It: Use the spice rub to season the chicken and grill it for a smoky flavor. Serve with grilled sweet potatoes.

Side Pairings

1. Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
2. Rice or Quinoa: Add a side of fluffy rice or quinoa for extra heartiness.
3. Sauces: Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of garlic aioli for added creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cooking time.

2. How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy?
Ensure the sweet potato cubes are spread out in a single layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of roasting.

3. Can I make the spice rub ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the spice rub in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

The Chili and Brown Sugar Spice Rub Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe is a perfect combination of bold, smoky flavors and natural sweetness. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a nourishing lunch, this dish will hit the spot every time.

Yield: 4

Chili and Brown Sugar Spice Rub Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Print

Elevate your dinner routine with this sweet and savory Chili and Brown Sugar Spice Rub Chicken and Sweet Potatoes recipe. This dish combines juicy chicken coated in a perfectly balanced spice rub with tender, caramelized sweet potatoes. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving more. Best of all, this recipe is simple to prepare and makes an excellent option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Spice Rub:
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Sweet Potatoes:
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• For Garnish:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Rub:
   In a small bowl, mix chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
   
2. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
   Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil, then generously coat with the prepared spice rub. Set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
   Place the sweet potato cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Toss to coat evenly.
   
4. Cook the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   Add the sweet potato cubes to the same skillet, stirring to coat in the pan juices.
   Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the sweet potatoes.
   
5. Bake in the Oven:
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove the skillet from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for extra heat.

Side Suggestions: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.