Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs coated in a rich bourbon glaze, roasted alongside caramelized sweet potatoes for a comforting Kentucky-inspired meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs cubed sweet potatoes (1-inch pieces) on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper; toss to coat, then roast for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown; flip and sear 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat, pour in 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp chicken broth, scraping up browned bits; return to stovetop and simmer 2 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Place chicken thighs on top of roasted sweet potatoes, cover with foil, and bake 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Step 6: Rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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