You know those nights? The ones where you’re running on fumes but still want something delicious and good for you on the table? That’s exactly when this Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato recipe comes to the rescue! It’s become my absolute go to because it’s just so darn simple, packed with flavor, and honestly, it makes me feel like I’ve got my life together. 
Seriously, who knew that grilling up some chicken and tossing some sweet potatoes in the oven could feel so… triumphant? This balanced meal is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a meal that’s this good for you and this easy to make? Here’s why this recipe is a total winner:
- Super Simple Prep: Seriously, you barely need to do anything before it goes on the grill or in the oven.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Lean protein from the chicken and those nutrient-packed sweet potatoes? It’s a match made in healthy-eating heaven.
- Packed with Flavor: The smoky char from the grill on the chicken and the natural sweetness of the potatoes is just *chef’s kiss*.
- Totally Versatile: You can switch up the spices, add other veggies, or even swap the potatoes for another root veggie. It’s a playground for your taste buds!
Gather Your Ingredients for Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Okay, ready to get cooking? For this amazing Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato meal, you won’t need much, which is part of why I love it so much! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Essential Equipment for Making Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato! Just grab your trusty grill for that amazing smoky flavor, a baking sheet for roasting those sweet babies, a big bowl for mixing everything up, and some tongs to keep your fingers safe. That’s it – simple! Check out my story to see how I learned to cook with just the basics!
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Alright, let’s get down to business and make this delicious Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato happen! It’s really not complicated at all, which is why I love it. I still remember the first time I made it – I was in college, starving, and had absolutely no clue what I was doing, but this recipe saved me!
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First things first, let’s get that grill fired up. You want it nice and hot, medium-high, so everything gets that gorgeous char. While the grill is heating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) – we’ll need that for the sweet potatoes.
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Now, grab your sweet potatoes. Peel ’em and chop ’em into bite-sized cubes, about an inch big. Toss them in a big bowl with that tablespoon of olive oil, a little salt, and pepper. This step is key to getting them flavorful right from the start! Then, spread them out in a single layer on your baking sheet. You don’t want them all piled up, or they’ll steam instead of roast. Pop those into the preheated oven and let them get happily tender, usually about 20-25 minutes. They should be fork-tender and a little browned around the edges. If you’re grilling them instead, which is also super tasty, just wrap them in foil with the oil and seasonings.
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While the sweet potatoes are doing their thing in the oven, it’s chicken time! No need to wash that bowl you used for the potatoes (waste not, want not, right?). Just toss your chicken breasts in there with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, that lovely paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every bit of chicken is coated – it really makes a difference in the flavor!
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Once the grill is hot and ready, carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts on there. Grill them for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. You’re looking for that nice golden-brown color and, most importantly, that they’re cooked all the way through. The best way to be sure? Use a meat thermometer – you want that internal temp to hit 165°F (74°C). Nobody likes undercooked chicken!
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Almost there! Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This is crucial! It lets all those juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it extra tender and juicy. You don’t want those delicious juices running all over your cutting board! Slice up that beautiful grilled chicken and serve it alongside your perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. It’s that easy!
This whole process is so straightforward, you can totally check out more ideas for healthy chicken and sweet potato meals or even try a smoky BBQ twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
You know, even though this Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato is super easy, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that make it *extra* special. These aren’t complicated changes, just little tweaks to make sure you get that perfect result every single time!
Here are my top tips:
- Don’t Crowd the Pan (or the Grill!): For both your sweet potatoes and your chicken, give them space! Overcrowding on the baking sheet or the grill can lead to steaming instead of roasting or grilling. You want that lovely browning and char, so make sure everything has room to breathe. This is key for that amazing texture in your Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato!
- Pat Your Chicken Dry: Before you season the chicken, give it a good pat down with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes a nicer sear on the grill. Nobody wants a soggy chicken breast!
- Roast Potatoes While Chicken Rests: Save a few minutes by popping your chicken on the grill, and *while it’s grilling (or resting)*, get those potatoes into the oven. Alternatively, you can grill the sweet potatoes in a foil packet alongside the chicken if you’re feeling adventurous! It keeps things moving and makes dinner happen faster. For more ideas like this, check out my Sweet Potato Taco Bowls – another speedy favorite!
- Spice it Up! While the paprika and garlic powder are delish, don’t be afraid to play around! A pinch of chili powder, some cumin, or even a little smoked paprika on the chicken can totally change the flavor profile. This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of flavor adventures! Looking for more chicken inspiration? My Chicken Sweet Potato Rice recipe is also a winner!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato recipe, but maybe you’re wondering about a couple of the ingredients or want to make a little tweak. Totally understandable! For the chicken seasoning, paprika is great for color and a little warmth, but if you don’t have it, smoked paprika is also fantastic. And for the sweet potatoes, if you happen to not have sweet potatoes on hand, regular Yukon Gold potatoes or even butternut squash can totally work in a pinch!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might like my Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato recipe for another way to enjoy them!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
This Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to jazz things up a bit, I love serving it with a nice big salad! A fresh Quinoa Apple Salad is amazing with it, or even a simple Chickpea Feta Salad adds a cool, zesty contrast.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got some delicious Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, they hold up really well! When you’re ready for round two, I find the best way to reheat is gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth to keep things moist. You can also microwave it, but that skillet method really brings back that lovely texture without drying everything out.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Got questions about my go-to Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato? I get it! It’s always good to know the little details. Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I make the chicken and sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sweet potatoes can be roasted a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The chicken is best grilled fresh, but you can totally prep your seasoning mix ahead of time and store it in a little container. For more super speedy ideas, definitely check out my collection of quick and easy recipes; they’re lifesavers!
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken isn’t dry?
The trick is not to overcook it! Grilling for 6-8 minutes per side is usually perfect, but using a meat thermometer is your best friend here – aim for that 165°F (74°C). Also, that 5-minute resting period after grilling is super important. It lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken nice and moist. Don’t skip it!
Can I grill the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them?
You sure can! It adds a lovely smoky flavor. The easiest way is to toss your cubed sweet potatoes with the oil and seasonings, then wrap them up snugly in foil. Grill them over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender. They might take a smidge longer than in the oven, so just keep an eye on them!
What other seasonings can I use for the chicken?
Oh, you can go wild! If you don’t have paprika, a good quality chili powder works wonders, or try a mix of cumin and a pinch of cayenne for a little kick. A simple dried herb blend or even just a good dose of lemon pepper seasoning is also delicious. This recipe is a fantastic base for lots of different flavor profiles!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so here’s the ballpark on what you’re looking at, nutritionally speaking, for this delicious Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato meal per serving. Just remember, these are estimates, and your exact numbers might bounce around a bit depending on the specific brands you use and how generous you are with your oil!
Per Serving (approximate):
Calories: 350-400
Protein: 30-35g
Fat: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Grilled Chicken and Sweet Potato
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned. (Alternatively, you can grill them in a foil packet.)
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the chicken. In the same large bowl (no need to wash), combine the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the grilled chicken with the roasted sweet potatoes.