Pin Sweet and savory maple glazed chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized to perfection in one pan for the ultimate cozy fall dinner.
I first served this to my family one chilly autumn evening and it quickly became a cherished weekly dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 bone in skin on chicken thighs: juicy and flavorful
- 3 large sweet potatoes: peeled and cubed into 1 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: for roasting
- 1 teaspoon salt: divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: adds savory depth
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup: Grade A dark amber recommended
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: tangy and sharp
- 2 tablespoons butter: melted
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: warm spice
- ¼ cup chopped pecans: for garnish
- Flaky sea salt: for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Season Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with ½ teaspoon salt and all the black pepper.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
- In a large bowl toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil remaining ½ teaspoon salt and garlic powder. Spread evenly on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange Chicken:
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the other side of the baking sheet leaving space between pieces for even roasting.
- Make Glaze:
- In a small bowl whisk together maple syrup Dijon mustard melted butter minced garlic thyme leaves and cinnamon to make the glaze.
- Brush Glaze:
- Brush half of the maple glaze evenly over the chicken thighs and sweet potatoes using a pastry brush.
- Roast First:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Brush Again:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the chicken and sweet potatoes with the remaining maple glaze.
- Roast Final:
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 15 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
- Rest:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans extra fresh thyme leaves and flaky sea salt before serving.
Pin This dish always brings my family together especially on chilly evenings when a warm meal is the best comfort.
Notes
Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light cider. To make dairy free use olive oil instead of butter in the glaze.
Required Tools
Large baking sheet pastry brush mixing bowl meat thermometer sharp knife cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 540 Total Fat 28 g Carbohydrates 35 g Protein 34 g per serving
Pin This maple glazed chicken recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of chicken works best?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide optimal flavor and moisture, but boneless or breasts can be used with adjusted cooking times.
- → How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces, then toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt before roasting.
- → Can the glaze be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with olive oil to keep the glaze dairy-free without compromising flavor.
- → What is the best oven temperature for roasting?
Roast at 425°F (220°C) for caramelization and even cooking of both chicken and sweet potatoes.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is safe and juicy.