Gather around the table, my friends, for a flavor-packed culinary adventure that’s sure to delight your senses. In this recipe for Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes, we’ll embark on a journey of tender, juicy chicken, infused with a lush, fragrant herb butter, and paired with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Prepare to indulge in a comforting, satisfying meal that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is a true celebration of flavors, where every bite is a delightful explosion of taste and texture. The crispy, golden-brown skin of the chicken thighs perfectly contrasts with the velvety, creamy herb butter, while the sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes add a delightful balance. The combination of these elements creates a cozy, indulgent dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, with simple, straightforward steps, you’ll be able to bring this restaurant-worthy meal to your table with ease.
Ingredients
Gather your fresh, flavorful ingredients for this Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes recipe. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. These high-quality, versatile ingredients will come together to create a truly craveable, zesty dish.
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – for juicy, flavorful results
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes – for natural sweetness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – the creamy foundation
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped rosemary – earthy and fragrant
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped thyme – bright and herbaceous
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley – for a pop of freshness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic depth
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – for a touch of heat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh Herbs: If you’re short on any of the fresh herbs, feel free to use a combination of dried herbs instead. Just be mindful to adjust the amounts accordingly, as dried herbs tend to be more potent.
- Sweet Potatoes: You can substitute the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a slight variation in flavor and texture.
How to Make Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes
Follow these simple, chef-tested steps for flavorful, restaurant-quality results every time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather all your ingredients. Wash and chop the fresh herbs, mince the garlic, and cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful herb butter.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side up on a large baking sheet. Evenly distribute the sweet potato pieces around the chicken. Spoon and spread the herb butter over the top of the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender and caramelized.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken and potatoes are perfectly cooked, remove them from the oven. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, then serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs for a vibrant, restaurant-quality presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice It Up: For a spicy twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the herb butter.
- Herb Combinations: You can experiment with different herb combinations, such as rosemary and lemon zest, or sage and garlic.
- Extra Indulgence: To make this dish even more indulgent, consider topping the chicken with crispy, crumbled bacon or shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
- Add More Veggies: For a heartier meal, feel free to add halved brussels sprouts or asparagus to the baking sheet.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious juices.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: The dish can be reheated in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish in advance. Simply assemble the chicken, sweet potatoes, and herb butter, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes recipe is a well-balanced, nutrient-dense meal. Each serving provides a generous amount of protein from the chicken, as well as a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber from the sweet potatoes. The herb butter adds a delightful creaminess and a boost of healthy fats, while also providing a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from the fresh herbs.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sweet potatoes
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on?
Absolutely! While the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide more juicy, flavorful results, you can certainly use boneless, skinless thighs for a quicker, more convenient option. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as boneless thighs may require slightly less time in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Simply assemble the chicken, sweet potatoes, and herb butter, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and enjoy the cozy, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.
What should I serve with this Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes?
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious juices. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness, you can certainly substitute with regular potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or russet, for a slightly different flavor profile. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep an eye on the potatoes as they roast.
How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?
To achieve that irresistible crispy chicken skin, be sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning and baking. Additionally, make sure to arrange the chicken skin-side up on the baking sheet, and avoid covering the dish with foil or a lid, which can prevent the skin from crisping up.
Try These Next
- Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs With Crispy Skin
- Herb Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake
- Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs On Sheet Pan
Herb Butter Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Succulent chicken thighs are coated in a rich herb butter and roasted with sweet potatoes for a comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb butter mixture under the skin of the chicken thighs and over the top.
4. Toss the diced sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet.
5. Place the chicken thighs on top of the sweet potatoes.
6. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sweet potatoes
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, herb butter, sweet potatoes, roasted