Save 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 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.
- 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.
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Save Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Bone-in, skin-on thighs offer the best flavor and juiciness but boneless or breasts can be used with adjusted cooking time.
- → How do I achieve caramelized sweet potatoes?
Toss the sweet potato cubes in olive oil and seasonings, then roast at high temperature alongside the chicken for a golden, tender texture.
- → Can the maple glaze be made dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the melted butter with olive oil to keep the glaze dairy-free without sacrificing taste.
- → What is the purpose of brushing the glaze twice?
Applying the glaze before and midway through roasting builds a richer, sticky coating enhancing flavor and caramelization.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light cider complements the sweet and savory profile perfectly.
- → How to check if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and tenderness.