Pin it Sweet and savory maple glazed chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized to perfection in one pan for the ultimate cozy fall dinner.
This dish quickly became a family favorite during the fall, bringing warmth and comfort to our dinner table.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: main protein for rich flavor
- 3 large sweet potatoes: peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: to toss sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt: divided for seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: for sweet potatoes
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup: Grade A dark amber recommended
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: for glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter melted: for glaze
- 2 cloves garlic minced: for glaze
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: for glaze
- 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.
- Prepare 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.
- Apply Glaze:
- Brush half of the maple glaze evenly over the chicken thighs and sweet potatoes using a pastry brush.
- Roast:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Glaze Again:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the chicken and sweet potatoes with the remaining maple glaze.
- Finish Roasting:
- 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 and Garnish:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped pecans extra fresh thyme leaves and flaky sea salt before serving.
Pin it Gathering around this meal always creates cherished family moments and a warm atmosphere.
Required Tools
Large baking sheet pastry brush mixing bowl meat thermometer sharp knife cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (pecans) dairy (butter) mustard. May contain garlic if sensitive. Always check labels for potential allergens in packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving contains 540 calories 28 g total fat 35 g carbohydrates 34 g protein.
Pin it This maple glazed chicken is the perfect fall dinner bringing flavor and comfort in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for maximum flavor and juiciness, but boneless thighs or breasts can also be used with adjusted cooking times.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
- → Can I prepare the maple glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be mixed ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before applying to ensure even coating.
- → What is the purpose of brushing the glaze twice?
Brushing the glaze before and midway through roasting enhances caramelization, develops deeper flavor, and creates a beautiful glossy finish.
- → Are there any suggested side pairings for this meal?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp white wines like Chardonnay or light apple cider to complement its sweet and savory notes.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil in the maple glaze to keep the dish dairy-free without compromising flavor.