Pin Sweet and savory maple glazed chicken with roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized to perfection in one pan for the ultimate cozy fall dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 bone in skin on chicken thighs
- 3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed into 1 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 2:
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with ½ teaspoon salt and all the black pepper.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the other side of the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for even roasting.
- Step 5:
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, melted butter, minced garlic, thyme leaves, and cinnamon to make the glaze.
- Step 6:
- Brush half of the maple glaze evenly over the chicken thighs and sweet potatoes using a pastry brush.
- Step 7:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the chicken and sweet potatoes with the remaining maple glaze.
- Step 9:
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 1015 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.
- Step 10:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 11:
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans, extra fresh thyme leaves, and flaky sea salt before serving.
Pin
Pin Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but note that cooking times may be shorter and require careful monitoring to avoid drying out.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace the butter in the maple glaze with olive oil to keep it dairy-free without compromising flavor.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light cider complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
- → How can I add extra color to the chicken skin?
Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of roasting, watching closely to prevent burning.