Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lexington Sweet Potato

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

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet bourbon sauce, roasted alongside tender Lexington sweet potatoes for a weekend feast. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Toss 3 medium peeled and cubed Lexington sweet potatoes with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the sweet potatoes on a rimmed sheet pan in a single layer. Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs skin-side up among the sweet potatoes.
  4. Step 4: Brush each chicken thigh generously with the bourbon glaze, reserving some for later. Sprinkle 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves over the entire pan.
  5. Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, basting the chicken with remaining glaze halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lexington Sweet Potato take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lexington Sweet Potato?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lexington Sweet Potato?

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 Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lexington Sweet Potato 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 Sheet Pan Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lexington Sweet Potato?

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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