Save 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.
When I first made this maple glazed chicken & sweet potato bake, my family immediately fell in love with the tender chicken and the caramelized sweet potatoes. It quickly became a go-to dish for busy nights.
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 the 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.
- Season Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry, rub with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Nestle them among the sweet potatoes.
- Make the Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Glaze and Bake:
- Brush half the maple glaze over the chicken and vegetables. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Finish Baking:
- 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.
- Add Spinach and Serve:
- Optionally, scatter baby spinach over the hot bake and let wilt before serving. Serve hot, spooning pan juices over each portion.
Save Pin This recipe is a favorite for our family Sunday dinners, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Sharing it has become a little tradition whenever guests join us.
Required Tools
Large baking dish or sheet pan, mixing bowls, whisk, basting brush, chefs knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 445 calories, 19 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or add chopped pecans for extra crunch.
Save Pin Enjoy this comforting maple glazed chicken bake as a fuss-free weeknight meal or share with loved ones on a cozy evening.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used for a lighter option; reduce baking time by about 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- → What alternatives can I use for baby spinach?
Baby arugula or kale can be used as fresh greens to finish the dish, offering a slightly different flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the maple glaze for a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
- → Is there a way to add crunch to this bake?
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy texture contrast.
- → What side dishes pair well with this chicken and sweet potato bake?
Light salads, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread complement the rich, sweet-savory flavors nicely.