Pin 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 recipe on a chilly autumn evening when I wanted something simple yet special for dinner. The aroma of maple and roasting chicken filled the kitchen and it instantly became a requested favorite in our home.
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.
- Prep Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry, rub with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Nestle them among the sweet potatoes.
- Mix Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Glaze & Bake:
- Brush half the maple glaze over the chicken and vegetables. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Brush & Finish:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Optionally, scatter baby spinach over the hot bake and let wilt before serving. Serve hot, spooning pan juices over each portion.
Pin My kids love helping drizzle the maple glaze, and everyone gathers around the table as the dish comes out bubbling and fragrant—just the way cozy dinners should be.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sweet-savory bake with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine. Warm crusty bread or rice make excellent accompaniments to soak up the extra sauce.
Swaps & Variations
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter meal and reduce cooking time by 10 minutes. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 10 minutes for added crunch.
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 445 calories, 19 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein. Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands used.
Pin This maple glazed chicken and sweet potato bake is sure to become a weeknight staple. Leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches too.
Recipe Q&A
- → What kind of chicken works best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide extra flavor and moisture, but boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a lighter option with shorter cooking time.
- → Can I add nuts for extra texture?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts added in the last 10 minutes of baking add a delightful crunch.
- → How is the maple glaze prepared?
The glaze combines pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme whisked together to create a balanced sweet and savory coating.
- → What sides pair well with this main dish?
This dish pairs nicely with sautéed greens or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify packaged items to avoid hidden gluten.