If you are craving a meal that feels both comforting and vibrant, the Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe is your perfect go-to. These colorful skewers marry tender, juicy chicken bites with sweet, caramelized potato chunks, all glazed in a honey-Dijon marinade that delivers a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. Whether grilled or baked, these kebabs are quick to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for any occasion, bringing together wholesome ingredients that satisfy both your eye and appetite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this delicious dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweetness of the potatoes to the tangy punch of the mustard marinade, coming together to create irresistible texture and flavor contrasts.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: cubed into 1-inch pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes: peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks that roast up tender and slightly caramelized.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: adds moisture and helps the marinade coat every piece perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons honey: provides a natural sweetness that balances the mustard and soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: delivers a tangy depth that amps up the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: brings a subtle umami richness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: adds a mild smoky touch enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: essential for flavor enhancement.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: provides a gentle spicy kick.
- Wooden or metal skewers: to thread your delicious kebabs for grilling or baking.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): for a fresh, bright garnish that lifts the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or get your grill heating to medium-high if you prefer that smokier flavor. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 20 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. This little step saves you from any last-minute flare-ups. Next, place the sweet potato chunks in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover, and microwave for about 4–5 minutes until they are just tender—not fully cooked—to ensure they finish perfectly on the grill or in the oven.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
While the sweet potatoes cool slightly, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is bright and flavorful, effortlessly giving the chicken and potatoes a gorgeous glaze and punch of taste. The balance of sweet and savory in this mixture is what makes this Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe so irresistibly special.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Potatoes
Now toss the cubed chicken and partially cooked sweet potatoes in the marinade bowl, making sure every piece is generously coated. This step is crucial because the marinade flavors each bite deeply as the kebabs cook, giving you juicy chicken and beautifully caramelized potatoes in every mouthful.
Step 4: Assemble the Kebabs
Take your skewers and thread the chicken cubes and sweet potato chunks alternately. This not only looks stunning but also ensures that every skewer has a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You want each bite to offer the tender chicken alongside the sweet, soft potato.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
If baking, place your skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. For grill lovers, cook over direct medium-high heat for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to get those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor. Either way, make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and that those sweet potatoes are tender and flavored through.
How to Serve Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
To instantly brighten up your kebabs, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving. Parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the honey-mustard glaze wonderfully and gives the dish an elegant finish. You could also add a lemon wedge on the side for a delightful citrus squeeze that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
These kebabs are incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Serve them alongside fluffy rice or couscous to soak up every last bit of the marinade. For those seeking a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette creates a lovely balance, enhancing the wholesome character of this chicken and sweet potato kebabs recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving kebabs deconstructed on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like tzatziki or a spicy yogurt dip. Alternatively, stack them on a bed of greens or roasted vegetables for a colorful presentation that delights the eye and palate alike. For gatherings, consider placing the skewers upright in a rustic wooden board for a rustic yet charming display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen a bit, making the kebabs even tastier on day two. Just keep the skewers in to make reheating easier and prevent the pieces from drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, remove the chicken and sweet potatoes from the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain juiciness and texture. Freezing is a fantastic way to have a quick meal ready on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the chicken juicy and the sweet potatoes intact. A quick grill reheat can also revive that fresh-from-the-barbecue flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, but keep in mind that cooking times might adjust slightly. Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and a softer texture that pairs wonderfully with the marinade.
What if I don’t have a grill or oven?
No grill or oven? No problem! You can cook these kebabs in a stovetop grill pan or a non-stick skillet. Just be sure to cook over medium-high heat and turn often for even cooking and that lovely caramelization.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese cubes and marinate similarly. The sweet potatoes and marinade will still shine, making it a delightful vegetarian option.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the sweet potatoes?
Par-cooking the sweet potatoes is recommended because it ensures they are tender by the time the chicken is fully cooked. Otherwise, you risk having undercooked potatoes or overcooked chicken.
How far in advance can I marinate the chicken and sweet potatoes?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is great, but for deeper flavor, you can marinade up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover and keep it chilled until cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe quickly becomes a favorite because it’s bursting with flavor and offers a perfect harmony of sweet and savory on every skewer. Whether you’re cooking for family weeknight dinners or entertaining friends, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressively satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll love how these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.
Print
Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and healthy Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs marinated in a honey mustard sauce, featuring tender chicken breast cubes and tender sweet potato chunks. Perfectly grilled or baked, these kebabs are a nutritious and flavorful main course suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients
For the Kebabs
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skewers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill to medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Par-cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato chunks in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Cover and microwave for 4–5 minutes until they are just barely tender. Drain any excess water and allow them to cool slightly.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Combine Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed chicken and par-cooked sweet potatoes into the marinade bowl. Toss everything well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
- Assemble the Kebabs: Thread the chicken pieces and sweet potato chunks alternately onto the soaked skewers to create well-balanced kebabs.
- Cook the Kebabs: Place the prepared skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet if baking, or directly on the grill grates for grilling. Bake for 20–25 minutes or grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the kebabs from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as rice, couscous, or a green salad.
Notes
- These kebabs pair wonderfully with rice, couscous, or a fresh green salad.
- For a smoky flavor, grilling over charcoal is recommended.
- Marinating the chicken and sweet potatoes a day ahead enhances the depth of flavor.
