This Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Honey recipe combines tender chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, and a rich honey glaze spiced with Moroccan flavors. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces, or 6-8 chicken thighs/drumsticks
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
- Juice of 1 orange (optional, for added sweetness and flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and paprika. Rub the spices evenly over the chicken and set aside for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- Sauté the Chicken and Onions
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and brown them lightly on all sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened and golden (about 5 minutes).
- Add the Sweet Potatoes
- Add the sweet potato chunks to the pot with the onions and stir to coat them in the oil and spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Simmer the Dish
- Return the chicken to the pot. Add the chicken stock and orange juice (if using).
- Drizzle the honey over the chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Caramelize and Thicken the Sauce
- Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly. Let the sauce reduce and thicken, coating the chicken and sweet potatoes in a glossy glaze. Stir gently to avoid breaking the sweet potatoes.
- Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the dish to a serving platter or serve directly from the pot.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and sprinkle with slivered almonds or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and savory chicken dish with:
- Steamed couscous or rice
- Warm crusty bread
- A fresh green salad on the side
This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of honey and sweet potatoes, perfectly balanced with Moroccan spices. It’s a comforting and aromatic dish that will impress your family and guests. Enjoy!
