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 dish on a chilly Sunday when I wanted something cozy but didn&t want to do a pile of dishes. The maple glaze made our kitchen smell incredible and my family couldn&t wait for dinner.
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
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Instructions
- Prep Oven & Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 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.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Nestle among sweet potatoes.
- Mix Maple Glaze:
- Whisk maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme together.
- Glaze & Bake:
- Brush half the maple glaze over chicken and vegetables. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Re-glaze & Finish Baking:
- Brush remaining glaze on. Bake for another 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked (165°F/74°C) and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Wilt Spinach & Serve:
- Scatter baby spinach over hot bake to wilt (optional). Serve hot, spooning pan juices over each portion.
Save The first time I made this, my children asked for seconds and my partner declared it his new favorite comfort meal. It's now our go-to for a busy weeknight that still feels special.
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)
Serving Suggestions
Pair the bake with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or serve with extra wilted greens for added freshness.
Save This maple chicken bake comes together quickly and feeds a hungry crowd. The sweet-savory glaze is always a hit, so don&t forget to spoon those pan juices over each plate.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs can be substituted; reduce baking time by about 10 minutes to keep meat juicy.
- → What makes the glaze flavorful?
The glaze combines pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme, creating a balanced sweet and savory coating.
- → How do I ensure the chicken cooks evenly?
Patting the chicken dry and nesting it among the sweet potatoes helps even cooking, while brushing glaze in two intervals enhances flavor and moisture.
- → Can I add nuts for texture?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts added in the last 10 minutes provide a pleasant crunch without overwhelming the dish.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free; still, check any packaged items for hidden gluten to be safe.
