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 bake for a chilly Tuesday dinner, and it instantly became a favorite in our kitchen. The maple glaze infuses everything with bright, cozy flavor, and clean-up is a breeze.
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 & Vegetables:
- Preheat 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.
- Make Maple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Glaze & Bake:
- Brush half the maple glaze over chicken and vegetables.
- Bake:
- 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.
- Optional Greens & Serve:
- Optionally, scatter baby spinach over the hot bake and let wilt before serving. Serve hot, spooning pan juices over each portion.
Save Our kids love helping drizzle the maple glaze before everything goes in the oven. It is a meal guaranteed to bring everyone to the table as soon as it comes out hot and bubbling.
Required Tools
Large baking dish or sheet pan, mixing bowls, whisk, basting brush, chefs knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 445, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 29 g
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Save Sweet maple glaze brings out the best in both chicken and sweet potatoes, making this bake a true comfort food. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide juicy and tender results, but boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a lighter dish.
- → Can I substitute the sweet potatoes?
Yes, other root vegetables like butternut squash or carrots can be roasted similarly for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- → What does the maple glaze add?
The maple glaze adds a sweet and tangy layer that complements the smoky paprika and savory chicken.
- → Can I add nuts to this dish?
Chopped pecans or walnuts tossed in during the last 10 minutes of roasting add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.