This baked BBQ chicken is juicy and full of flavor, paired perfectly with sweet potatoes and tart cranberries. It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s great for dinner!
Why not add a fun twist to your meal? The sweet potatoes balance the BBQ chicken so well—you’ll love the mix of sweet and savory. Trust me, this is one meal you won’t forget! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Leg Quarters: These are juicy and flavorful thanks to the skin. If you prefer, you can use skinless chicken breasts or thighs, though they might need less cooking time.
Sweet Potatoes: They add sweetness and texture. You can swap them for regular potatoes if you like a milder flavor, but sweet potatoes bring extra nutrients!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a nice tartness. If they aren’t available, dried cranberries work too; just reduce the amount as they’re sweeter.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade. If you like it spicier, opt for a chipotle BBQ sauce. I often mix sweet and spicy sauces for added depth of flavor.
Fresh Thyme: This adds a herbal note. If you don’t have fresh, dried thyme will work too—just use about one-third of the amount.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken moist and bursting with flavor, the prep and cooking techniques are key. Here’s how to get it right:
- Season well: Make sure to season your chicken with salt and pepper before adding the BBQ sauce. This helps flavor the meat throughout.
- Baste regularly: Halfway through baking, brush the chicken with more BBQ sauce. This not only adds flavor but keeps it from drying out.
- Check the temp: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the chicken sit for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite flavorful.
With these tips and insights, you’ll create a meal that’s not only tasty but also visually appealing. Enjoy making this delicious dish at home!
Baked BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potato and Cranberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken leg quarters
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For the Cranberries:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra glaze sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 40-50 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour for a delicious meal that blends flavors beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that everything is hot and ready to cook the chicken and sweet potatoes evenly.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Next, spread the coated sweet potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of a large baking dish. This will create a tasty bed for your chicken.
4. Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken leg quarters with salt and pepper all over. This will enhance their flavor as they bake.
5. Place Chicken on Sweet Potatoes:
Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. It’s fine if the sweet potatoes are slightly covered by the chicken.
6. Add BBQ Sauce:
Brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce, reserving a little for later basting during cooking. This adds a great flavor to the chicken while it cooks.
7. Add Cranberries:
Scatter the cranberries around the chicken and sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Their tartness will complement the sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully.
8. Optional Sweetness:
If you’d like, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the cranberries and sweet potatoes for a touch of extra sweetness.
9. Add Fresh Thyme:
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over everything for a lovely herbal aroma and flavor boost, if desired.
10. Bake in the Oven:
Now, bake everything uncovered in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes to become tender.
11. Baste the Chicken:
About halfway through the baking time (around 20-25 minutes), take the dish out and baste the chicken with the reserved BBQ sauce. This will keep the chicken nice and moist!
12. Let It Rest:
Once everything is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle in the chicken.
13. Serve Up Your Dish:
Now it’s time to serve! Plate the juicy BBQ chicken alongside the roasted sweet potatoes and cranberries, spooning any delicious pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
Enjoy this delicious, balanced meal that combines smoky-sweet BBQ flavors with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the bright tang of cranberries!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since breasts may cook faster than leg quarters.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven!
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This meal is hearty on its own, but you can add a simple green salad or steamed veggies for extra nutrition. Cornbread would also be a delightful side!