Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Juicy & Flavorful

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes is the recipe that turned my family into grill enthusiasts!

I’m Chef Emma, and I remember discovering how much more flavorful and forgiving chicken thighs are compared to chicken breasts.

This grilled chicken dinner combines juicy, perfectly seasoned thighs with caramelized sweet potatoes tossed in fresh herbs. It’s become our go-to recipe for summer gatherings and year-round family dinners at FamillyRecipes.com.

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, served alongside crispy herb-roasted sweet potatoes. A complete high-protein dinner that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Perfect for family meals!

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (2.5 pounds)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Equipment

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Large Baking Sheet
• – Parchment paper
• – Mixing bowls
• Whisk and tongs
• – Meat thermometer
• Zip-top bag

Method

 

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Place chicken thighs in zip-top bag with marinade. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread sweet potatoes on baking sheet and roast 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and fork-tender.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F). Oil grates.
7. Remove chicken from marinade and grill skin-side down 6-7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.
8. Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving.
9. Serve chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Cut sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking. Use meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature. Store leftovers up to 4 days.

What makes this herb-roasted chicken recipe so special is the incredible flavor combination. The chicken thighs stay moist and tender thanks to their higher fat content, while a simple marinade infuses them with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Meanwhile, the sweet potatoes roast in the oven with rosemary and thyme, developing crispy edges and a creamy interior. Together, they create a balanced, nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. For more protein-packed dinners, check out our High-Protein Family Meals collection.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. The chicken thighs can be marinated ahead of time, and the sweet potatoes require minimal hands-on time. It’s a complete dinner that provides lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of vitamins. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Your family will love the restaurant-quality flavors!

H2: Summary

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating)
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Easy
• Course: Evening Meals, High-Protein Family Meals
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

H2: Equipment for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Gallon-size zip-top bag for marinating

H2: Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 pounds)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (1-inch pieces)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

H2: Directions for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
2. Marinate the chicken by placing thighs in a gallon-size zip-top bag and pouring marinade over them. Seal bag, massage to coat evenly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours (longer is better).
3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Prepare sweet potatoes by tossing cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl until evenly coated.
5. Roast sweet potatoes by spreading them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and fork-tender with crispy edges.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking.
7. Grill chicken thighs by removing from marinade and patting dry slightly. Place skin-side down on grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crispy and golden.
8. Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
9. Serve chicken thighs alongside herb-roasted sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

H2: Tips and Variations

Chef Emma’s Pro Tips:

• Don’t skip marinating – it makes the chicken incredibly flavorful and tender
• Pat chicken dry before grilling for crispier skin
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
• Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy

Delicious Variations:

• Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or brush with hot sauce during grilling
• Mediterranean style: Use za’atar seasoning and serve with tzatziki sauce
• Asian-inspired: Replace marinade with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil
• Budget-friendly: Use boneless, skinless thighs and reduce cooking time to 5 minutes per side

Make-Ahead Options:

• Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor
• Prep and season sweet potatoes up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerate until roasting
• Cooked chicken and potatoes reheat beautifully for meal prep

Storage Notes:

• Refrigerate leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Reheat chicken in 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispy skin
• Sweet potatoes reheat well in microwave or oven
• Freeze cooked chicken up to 3 months (texture of potatoes changes when frozen)

H2: Nutrition Facts in Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

H3: Nutritional Highlights

These Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes deliver an impressive 32 grams of protein per serving, making them perfect for active families and anyone focused on high-protein nutrition. Chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture than breasts while still offering quality protein, B vitamins, and minerals like selenium and zinc. The sweet potatoes contribute complex carbohydrates, fiber, and an astounding 310% of your daily vitamin A needs, supporting eye health and immune function.

H3: Dietitian Tips

The combination of lean protein from chicken and complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes creates a balanced meal that provides sustained energy without blood sugar spikes. While chicken thighs are higher in fat than breasts, much of it is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, especially when skin is consumed. For a lower-fat version, remove the skin after grilling to keep the flavor benefit while reducing calories by about 80 per serving. The herbs provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious.

H2: FAQs for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well. Reduce cooking time to 5-6 minutes per side and watch carefully to avoid drying out. Internal temperature should still reach 165°F.

Q2: How do I get crispy chicken skin on the grill?
Pat the chicken very dry before grilling, ensure grill is properly preheated, and don’t move the chicken too frequently. Let it develop a good sear before flipping.

Q3: Can I make this recipe in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! Bake chicken thighs at 425°F for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crispy. Roast sweet potatoes at the same time on a separate pan.

Q4: Are sweet potatoes healthier than regular potatoes?
Both are nutritious! Sweet potatoes have more vitamin A and slightly more fiber, while regular potatoes have more potassium. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index, making them better for blood sugar control.

Q5: How can I tell when chicken thighs are done without a thermometer?
Cut into the thickest part – juices should run clear, not pink, and meat should no longer be pink. However, a meat thermometer is the most accurate method.

Q6: What other sides pair well with this meal?
This is a complete meal, but you can add a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or quinoa. Visit our Evening Meals section for more side dish inspiration.

H2: Conclusion for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These Grilled Chicken Thighs with Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes prove that healthy family dinners can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The juicy, well-seasoned chicken paired with caramelized sweet potatoes creates a meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday night. I love how this recipe fills our home with amazing aromas and brings everyone to the table with excitement.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for the first time this season or looking for a reliable high-protein dinner, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of herbs, garlic, and lemon creates layers of flavor that make each bite delicious. For more family-friendly grilled recipes and easy weeknight dinners, explore our complete collection at FamillyRecipes.com. Happy grilling! 💕

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