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.
The first time I made this dish, my whole kitchen filled with the aroma of maple and garlic. It has become a favorite for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: 4 bone-in, skin-on
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, divided
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, divided
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, divided
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 large, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Red Onion: 1, cut into wedges
- Baby Spinach (optional): 2 cups, for serving
- Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup, pure
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes and red onion with half the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in baking dish or sheet pan.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry. Rub with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Nestle among vegetables.
- Make Maple Glaze:
- Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Glaze and Bake:
- Brush half the glaze over chicken and vegetables. Bake 25 minutes.
- Finish Baking:
- Brush with remaining glaze. Bake 15 more minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add Spinach:
- Optionally, scatter baby spinach over bake to wilt.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, spooning pan juices over each portion.
Save My family requests this dish again and again – it's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this maple chicken bake with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a full meal that's both nourishing and satisfying.
Variations
For crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 10 minutes of baking. Try using carrots or parsnips along with the sweet potatoes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides about 445 calories, 19 g fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein. Values may vary with substitutions.
Save This one-pan dinner makes cleanup easy – savor every bite and enjoy a simple, hearty meal at home.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this dish?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a lighter alternative. Just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- → What vegetables pair well with this maple glaze?
Sweet potatoes and red onions are ideal for roasting with the glaze, but adding baby spinach just before serving adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
- → How can I add extra crunch to this meal?
In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dish to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- → Is there a recommended cooking temperature and time?
Roast the ingredients at 400°F (200°C) for around 40 minutes, brushing on the glaze halfway through to build layers of flavor.
- → What complements the flavors of this dish when served?
A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory notes of the glaze and the roasted chicken.