Pan-Seared Chicken with East Texas Honey-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

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

Succulent pan-seared chicken breasts paired with sweet potatoes glazed in honey and seasoned with a touch of smoked paprika for a flavorful, comforting meal. This american southern-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, medium (about 1 lb) sweet potatoes, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 30 min Serves 4 American Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and cut 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss them with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While the sweet potatoes roast, season 4 chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: After removing the chicken, add 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then drizzle this infused oil over the chicken and roasted sweet potatoes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with East Texas Honey-Glazed Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with East Texas Honey-Glazed 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with East Texas Honey-Glazed 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with East Texas Honey-Glazed 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with East Texas Honey-Glazed Sweet Potatoes gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.