Smoky Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Roasted Sweet Potatoes

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a smoky bourbon sauce paired with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes make a comforting and flavorful meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, bourbon whiskey, smoked paprika 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the bourbon glaze over them, tossing to coat evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary in a baking dish. Spread evenly.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the sweet potatoes. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Baste the chicken thighs with the pan juices halfway through cooking to build a shiny glaze. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Smoky 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky 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 Smoky 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 Smoky 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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