Save to Pinterest 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 still remember the first time I made this for my family on a chilly fall evening. The aroma filled the house and everyone asked for seconds.
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 Oven and Veggies:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). 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.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry rub with remaining olive oil salt and pepper. Nestle them among the sweet potatoes.
- Mix 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 then 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.
- Finish and Serve:
- Optionally scatter baby spinach over the hot bake and let wilt before serving. Serve hot spooning pan juices over each portion.
Save to Pinterest Cooking this bake together on a busy weeknight brings everyone to the table. Even picky eaters enjoy its warming flavors.
Required Tools
Large baking dish or sheet pan mixing bowls whisk basting brush chef's knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 445, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 40 g, Protein 29 g
Serving Suggestions
Pair this meal with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast. Add chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 10 minutes for extra crunch.
Save to Pinterest This dish is the ultimate comfort food for any night. Enjoy the caramelized edges and juicy chicken with your loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, but boneless, skinless thighs can be used with shorter baking time.
- → Can I add nuts for extra texture?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled in the last 10 minutes of baking to add a crunchy element.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and use the maple glaze during baking to lock in moisture and enhance flavor.
- → Is it possible to include greens in the dish?
Adding baby spinach over the hot bake right before serving allows it to wilt gently, adding color and nutrition.
- → What oven temperature is ideal for baking?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) to roast sweet potatoes and chicken evenly while allowing the glaze to caramelize.