Thai CryMaple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoesing Tiger Beef
**Introduction**
Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is the epitome of a hearty and comforting one-pan wonder. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with caramelized sweet potatoes, all coated in a rich, glossy glaze that is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and subtly smoky. The magic happens in a single sheet pan, where the high-heat roasting intensifies the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes and allows the maple glaze to cling to the chicken, creating a beautiful, sticky crust. It is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you crave a wholesome, home-cooked meal without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. Anyone looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup will fall in love with this dish.
**Perfect for:**
Easy Weeknight Dinners
Meal Prepping for the Week
Family Sunday Supper
Impressive Yet Simple Entertaining
Comfort Food Cravings
**Why You’ll Love This Maple-Glazed Chicken Recipe**
**One-Pan Simplicity:** Everything roasts together on a single sheet pan, making the cooking process straightforward and cleanup an absolute breeze.
**Perfect Flavor Balance:** The glaze, featuring pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, creates a sophisticated sweet, tangy, and savory profile that is far from cloying.
**Nutritious and Satisfying:** Packed with lean protein and vitamin-rich sweet potatoes, this meal is as wholesome as it is delicious.
**Meal Prep Champion:** The components reheat beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead option for balanced lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 450-500 kcal
**Protein:** 35g
**Carbohydrates:** 45g
**Fat:** 15g
**Fiber:** 5g
**Sugar:** 25g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
* 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
**For the Maple Glaze:**
* ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. **Season the Vegetables:** In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes and red onion wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. **Start the Vegetables:** Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes and onions in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes. This gives the vegetables a head start since they take longer to cook than the chicken.
4. **Make the Glaze:** While the vegetables roast, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
5. **Coat the Chicken:** Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the bowl used for the vegetables (no need to wash it) and pour half of the maple glaze over them, turning to coat thoroughly.
6. **Combine on the Pan:** After the initial 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and place the glazed chicken thighs in the center in a single layer.
7. **Roast to Perfection:** Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
8. **Glaze and Finish:** In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining maple glaze over the chicken. For extra caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
9. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the pan from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary before serving.
**How to Serve Maple-Glazed Chicken**
* **As a Complete Meal:** Serve directly from the pan for a rustic, family-style meal. The combination of protein and vegetables is perfectly balanced.
* **Over Grains:** Spoon the chicken, sweet potatoes, and any pan juices over a bed of fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or couscous to soak up the delicious glaze.
* **With a Fresh Side:** Balance the sweetness with a crisp green salad dressed in a light lemony vinaigrette or some steamed green beans.
* **For a Holiday Touch:** This dish has autumnal flavors that make it a wonderful, simpler alternative for a holiday spread.
**Additional Tips for Maple-Glazed Chicken**
* For crispier chicken skin, use bone-in, skin-on thighs and place them skin-side up on the pan. Increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
* Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
* Do not overcrowd the pan. If necessary, use two baking sheets to allow for proper air circulation and caramelization.
* Using pure maple syrup is crucial for the best flavor; pancake syrup will not provide the same depth.
**Recipe Variations of Maple-Glazed Chicken**
* **Pork Version:** Substitute the chicken with pork tenderloin or pork chops. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut.
* **Spicy Version:** Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the maple glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
* **Vegetable Medley:** Add other robust vegetables to the pan alongside the sweet potatoes, such as cubed butternut squash, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts.
**Freezing and Storage for Maple-Glazed Chicken**
**Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
**Freezing:** This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the sweet potatoes may become slightly softer upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**FAQ Section about Maple-Glazed Chicken**
**Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?**
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used. They may cook a few minutes faster, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) around the 18-20 minute mark.
**My glaze is burning before the chicken is cooked. What should I do?**
If the glaze is darkening too quickly, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time. Using the glaze primarily in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking can also prevent this.
**Can I make the glaze ahead of time?**
Absolutely. The maple glaze can be prepared and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before using.
**Conclusion of Maple-Glazed Chicken Recipe**
Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly spectacular meal. It delivers the deep, satisfying flavors of a slow-cooked dinner with the speed and convenience of a weeknight sheet-pan recipe. The harmonious blend of savory chicken, sweet and earthy potatoes, and the complex, sticky glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both busy families and casual entertaining. This recipe is a reliable, flavorful, and incredibly easy addition to any cooking repertoire, proving that a delicious, wholesome dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.