Chili and Brown Sugar Spice Rub Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This Chili and Brown Sugar Spice Rub Chicken with Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Tender boneless skinless chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful chili and brown sugar spice rub and roasted alongside sweet potatoes and red onions for a hearty, comforting meal. The simple method of roasting at a high temperature ensures juicy chicken and caramelized veggies with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Rub
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 to 2 teaspoons paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional and to taste)
Vegetables and Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided; or as needed)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 large breasts)
- 1 large or extra-large red onion, cut into thick chunks or wedges
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, finely minced (for garnishing; optional and to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (use convection if available) and line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Place the peeled and diced sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and toss gently to coat.
- Roast sweet potatoes initially: Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This jumpstarts their cooking and ensures they become tender but not overdone.
- Make the spice rub: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine the light brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper in a bowl. Stir well to blend all spices thoroughly and set aside.
- Pound the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or a heavy pan. They do not need to be thin, but uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
- Add chicken and onions: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip the sweet potatoes to ensure even roasting. Add the chicken breasts and red onion wedges around the sweet potatoes.
- Oil and season: Drizzle the chicken and onions generously with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season all with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Apply the spice rub: Spoon the prepared brown sugar chili spice rub evenly over the chicken breasts on both sides. It is okay to use a thick coating, especially on the top-facing side.
- Finish roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 18 to 22 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are fork tender. Watch carefully near the end as the brown sugar can burn quickly once it begins darkening.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Cover with foil to keep warm. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle with fresh minced parsley or cilantro before slicing and serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Using foil on the baking sheet is highly recommended to simplify cleanup because the brown sugar in the spice rub can caramelize and create sticky drips.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat preference or omit it for mild flavor.
- Pounding the chicken to uniform thickness is key to even cooking and juicy results.
- Monitor the chicken closely in the last few minutes of roasting to prevent the brown sugar from burning.
- Resting the chicken after cooking locks in moisture and improves texture.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a bright contrast but are optional.
Keywords: chili spice rub chicken, brown sugar chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts, gluten free dinner
