Save Tender chicken thighs and sweet potatoes are roasted together in a luscious maple glaze creating a comforting sweet-savory meal perfect for any night of the week.
I first made this maple glazed chicken and sweet potato bake on a busy weeknight craving something hearty but quick. The combination of maple and Dijon with tender chicken and caramelized vegetables won everyone over instantly.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetables: 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 1 red onion cut into wedges 2 cups baby spinach (optional for serving)
- Maple Glaze: 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 cloves garlic minced 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large bowl toss sweet potatoes and red onion with half the olive oil half the salt and half the pepper. Spread evenly in a large baking dish or rimmed sheet pan.
- Season Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry rub with remaining olive oil salt and pepper. Nestle them among the sweet potatoes.
- Make Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl whisk together maple syrup Dijon mustard apple cider vinegar garlic smoked paprika and thyme.
- Brush and Bake:
- Brush half the maple glaze over the chicken and vegetables.
- Finish Baking:
- Bake for 25 minutes then brush with remaining glaze. Continue baking for another 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature) and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Optional Spinach:
- Scatter baby spinach over the hot bake and let wilt before serving if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve hot spooning pan juices over each portion.
Save This bake is always a hit at family dinners. The kids love the sweet potatoes and the adults appreciate the depth of flavor from the maple glaze.
Notes
Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for a lighter option (reduce baking time by 10 minutes). Add chopped pecans or walnuts near the end for a crunchy element.
Required Tools
Large baking dish or sheet pan mixing bowls whisk basting brush chefs knife and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Calories 445 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 40 g Protein 29 g (per serving)
Save Enjoy this easy comforting dish any time you crave a fuss-free dinner with maximum flavor. Leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can boneless chicken thighs be used instead?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes for a quicker dish.
- → How can I add extra crunch to this dish?
Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on during the last 10 minutes of baking add a delightful crunch.
- → What side can complement this meal well?
A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors.
- → Is it possible to include greens in the dish?
Yes, scattering baby spinach over the hot bake just before serving lets it wilt gently, adding freshness and color.
- → What spices enhance the maple glaze?
Smoked paprika and dried thyme add warmth and complexity to the sweet maple, balancing the flavors.