Grilled chicken drumsticks served with roasted sweet potatoes and fresh salad of cherry tomatoes cucumber and red onion

Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato and Fresh Salad

Spread the love

Created on December 7th, 2025 at 11:41 am

Wholesome, nourishing Dinner

The aroma of roasted chicken mingles with the sweet, earthy scent of caramelizing sweet potatoes, creating a warm invitation to gather around the dinner table. This roasted chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that wraps you in familiar flavors while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner. As the chicken roasts to a golden brown, the skin crisps beautifully, locking in the juices for a tender bite with every piece. Paired with vibrant sweet potatoes, which turn soft and buttery in the oven, and a fresh salad of crisp greens, this dish offers a balance of heartiness and brightness. It neatly combines nutritious ingredients that nourish and satisfy, making it a go-to in any home kitchen.

In an era when time often feels scarce, this recipe reminds us that preparing a wholesome and delicious meal can still be straightforward. The blend of seasoned chicken and sweet potatoes creates a wonderful harmony, while the fresh salad adds a refreshing crunch. It’s a complete meal that not only brings comfort but also showcases the natural flavors of your ingredients, inviting even the busiest of cooks to enjoy the art of home-cooked comfort food.

Grilled chicken drumsticks served with roasted sweet potatoes and crisp salad of cherry tomatoes cucumber and red onion styled vertically

Why This Recipe Works

This roasted chicken with sweet potatoes is a standout for its simplicity and rich flavor. Roasting the chicken allows it to develop a deep, savory profile, while the sweet potatoes provide an aromatic sweetness that balances it beautifully. The sweet potatoes, when roasted, caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sugars and creating a delightful texture that contrasts with the succulent chicken. This dish is also incredibly versatile—you can adapt the spices to fit your preferences, whether looking for something herbaceous or zesty.

Additionally, this recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for busy days. Once everything is in the oven, you can simply enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. Leftovers are equally delicious, making this meal ideal for lunches throughout the week or an effortless dinner the following night. Overall, it brings together elements of warmth, comfort, and satisfaction, making it a dish everyone can appreciate.

Time Breakdown

This recipe comes together quickly, allowing for more time spent enjoying your meal than preparing it. With straightforward prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for those evenings when convenience is key.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients List

  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula or spinach)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Juice of 1 lemon (for dressing)
  • Optional: fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish

Kitchen Tools

This recipe keeps things straightforward, using only essential tools you likely already have in your kitchen.

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. In the same bowl, coat the chicken thighs with the remaining olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Place them skin-side up on the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes.
  4. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through to promote even cooking.
  5. While the chicken and sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to combine just before serving.
  6. Once the chicken and sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Plate the chicken alongside the sweet potatoes and serve with the refreshing salad.

Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before roasting.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; if necessary, use two sheets to ensure even roasting.
  • You can substitute other root vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, for sweet potatoes if you prefer.
  • This dish is just as delicious served cold, making it a great choice for meal prep.

A Cozy Dinner for Everyone

This roasted chicken with sweet potatoes and fresh salad embodies the essence of home cooking—comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and savory root vegetables, alongside a light salad creates a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. It reinforces that wholesome food can be both nourishing and straightforward, making it a staple to keep on hand in your recipe collection.

What to Serve With Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato & Fresh Salad

When looking for the perfect accompaniments to this roasted chicken dish, consider something that enhances the flavors without overpowering them. A side of fluffy quinoa or whole grain rice adds a nutritious base while soaking up any juices from the chicken. On chilly evenings, a warm bowl of butternut squash soup pairs beautifully, offering a comforting contrast. Pairing your meal with a light, refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, elevates the experience and balances the meal’s flavors seamlessly.

Nutrition Table

NutrientAmount (per serving)
Calories180 kcal
Protein3 g
Fat7 g
Carbohydrates27 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar10 g
Sodium150 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Grilled chicken drumsticks served with roasted sweet potatoes and fresh salad of cherry tomatoes cucumber and red onion

Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato & Fresh Salad

Avatar photoMarla Jennings
A wholesome dinner that nourishes body and soul with roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and a fresh salad.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

  • 4 thighs 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 medium 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme

For the Fresh Salad

  • 4 cups 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula or spinach)
  • 1 cup 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 Juice Juice of 1 lemon (for dressing)
  • optional Optional: fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • In the same bowl, coat the chicken thighs with the remaining olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Place them skin-side up on the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes.

Cooking

  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through to promote even cooking.

Salad Preparation

  • While the chicken and sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to combine just before serving.

Serving

  • Once the chicken and sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Plate the chicken alongside the sweet potatoes and serve with the refreshing salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before roasting. Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet; if necessary, use two sheets to ensure even roasting. You can substitute other root vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, for sweet potatoes if you prefer. This dish is just as delicious served cold, making it a great choice for meal prep.
Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Fresh Salad, Roasted Chicken, Sweet Potato

Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a review!

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Scroll to Top