Orange Glazed Sweet Potato & Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken and caramelized sweet potatoes bathed in a zesty orange-honey glaze, perfect for summer grilling. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 37 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, medium sweet potatoes, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to create a smooth glaze.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) and 3 peeled, 1-inch cubed sweet potatoes into a large resealable bag, pour the glaze over them, and massage to coat evenly; marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Thread marinated chicken and sweet potatoes onto soaked wooden skewers, alternating pieces and leaving 1/4-inch gaps between each.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes with tongs, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and sweet potatoes are tender with golden-brown edges, brushing with reserved glaze during the last 2 minutes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange Glazed Sweet Potato & Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 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 Orange Glazed Sweet Potato & Chicken Skewers?
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 medium sweet potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Glazed Sweet Potato & Chicken Skewers?
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 Orange Glazed Sweet Potato & Chicken Skewers 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 Orange Glazed Sweet Potato & Chicken Skewers?
American grilling 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better grilling dishes though.
