Name: Chili Honey Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Yogurt Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons chili paste (or chili garlic sauce); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free option); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chili Honey Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Yogurt is a vibrant, delicious dish that pairs tender, flavorful chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy chili honey sauce with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. The dish is topped with a creamy cilantro yogurt sauce that adds a refreshing balance to the spicy, savory flavors. It’s a perfect meal for a healthy, hearty dinner, full of bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish has it all—spicy, sweet, savory, and creamy elements that come together perfectly. The combination of chili honey glaze on the chicken provides just the right amount of heat and sweetness, while the roasted sweet potatoes add a caramelized texture and earthy flavor. The cilantro yogurt sauce ties everything together with its cool and tangy finish. It’s a meal that’s balanced, delicious, and easy to make, making it perfect for any night of the week or a special dinner.

Chili Honey Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Yogurt Recipe

Ingredients

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons chili paste (or chili garlic sauce)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the sweet potatoes:

2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

For the cilantro yogurt sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free option)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the sweet potatoes:

In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Prepare the chicken marinade:

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, chili paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken breasts (or thighs) with the marinade and let them sit for at least 10-15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for more flavor).

4. Cook the chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until fully cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

5. Prepare the cilantro yogurt sauce:

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, honey (optional), salt, and pepper.
Stir well until smooth and well combined.

6. Assemble the dish:

Serve the roasted sweet potatoes on a plate or platter, top with sliced chili honey chicken, and drizzle the cilantro yogurt sauce over the top.
Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra flavor and color.

7. Serve and enjoy:

Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, balanced meal. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use different proteins: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Spicy version: For extra heat, add more chili paste or fresh chopped chilies to the marinade.
Add greens: Serve the chicken and sweet potatoes on a bed of greens like spinach, arugula, or kale for extra freshness and nutrition.
Make it grain-based: Serve with quinoa, couscous, or rice for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The chicken and sweet potatoes can be frozen separately for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to serve.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stove. To keep the chicken tender, reheat in a pan with a little splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and assemble the dish.

2. Can I use a different kind of potato?

Absolutely! While sweet potatoes work wonderfully with this dish, you can also use regular potatoes or even roasted carrots for a slight variation.

3. Can I make the cilantro yogurt sauce spicy?

Yes, if you like heat, you can add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cilantro yogurt sauce to kick up the spice level.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply use dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond-based yogurt) for the cilantro yogurt sauce. The rest of the dish is naturally dairy-free.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, sautéed greens, or even a light rice pilaf for a more substantial meal.

6. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

You can use frozen sweet potatoes, but make sure they are thoroughly thawed before roasting them for even cooking.

7. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! To make it spicier, add extra chili paste, hot sauce, or fresh chopped chilies to the marinade or the yogurt sauce.

8. Can I make this dish with a different protein?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, or even tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.

9. How do I make the beef more tender?

If you’re using a tougher cut of beef, marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of water for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help tenderize the meat.

10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can use tofu or a plant-based meat substitute for the chicken and enjoy a fully vegetarian version of this recipe.

Conclusion

Chili Honey Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Yogurt is a flavorful, balanced meal that brings together spicy, sweet, and savory elements with a creamy and refreshing finish. The tender chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and cool cilantro yogurt sauce make this dish satisfying, vibrant, and perfect for any occasion. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and simple ingredients.