Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe

I absolutely love making this Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe whenever I want something that’s comforting yet a little special. The combination of tender chicken and naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes, all glazed with that rich maple syrup, hits the perfect balance between savory and sweet. It feels like a hug on a plate but without any complicated steps—just simple ingredients coming together beautifully.

This recipe works wonderfully for weeknight dinners when you want something healthy but still crave those deep, cozy flavors. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping because the flavors actually deepen the next day. I’m excited to walk you through it so you can enjoy that same delicious vibe in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients play off each other so well: sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and creaminess, while the maple syrup glaze adds that luscious caramelized finish. Here’s what you need and a few tips to get the best results.

• Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless for easy cooking and eating, but bone-in works too if you have time to adjust cooking.
• Sweet potatoes: Peel and cube them into even pieces so they roast evenly alongside the chicken.
• Pure maple syrup: Using real maple syrup really makes a difference in flavor versus syrup substitutes.
• Olive oil: Helps everything roast nicely without sticking.
• Apple cider vinegar: This adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness without overpowering.
• Garlic powder: For savory depth without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything to life.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Feel free to use dried if that’s what you have on hand–both work great.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the glaze on the chicken.
• Chopped pecans (optional): Toss these in at the end for some crunch and extra flavor.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the whole dish just before serving.

Variations

I love tweaking this Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe to suit different moods or what’s in my pantry. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

• Spicy maple glaze: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze for a sweet-heat combo that’s irresistible.
• Different herbs: Try rosemary or sage in place of thyme for a seasonal twist.
• Swap chicken cuts: Thighs or drumsticks work too; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Dairy-free option: Skip the butter and use extra olive oil to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Nut-free: Leave out pecans or swap with toasted pumpkin seeds if needed.

How to Make Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces so they roast evenly and cook through around the same time as the chicken. Set those aside. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps the glaze stick better and get that perfect caramelized crust. Mix together the maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl for your glaze. I love tasting a bit to adjust the balance before it hits the pan; sometimes I like it a tad more tangy or a smidge sweeter depending on my mood.

Step 2: Get Roasting

Place the sweet potatoes in a large baking dish or sheet pan, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken breasts right in among the sweet potatoes, then brush your maple glaze generously over each piece of chicken. Pop everything into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Roast for around 25–30 minutes, flipping the chicken and tossing the potatoes halfway through. You want the chicken to reach an internal temp of 165°F (75°C)—I use an instant-read thermometer because it takes the guesswork out of the process.

Step 3: Finish with Butter and Nuts for Extra Yum

Once the chicken and sweet potatoes are nearly done, melt the butter in a small pan and mix it with the remaining glaze juices. Pour it over the chicken and sweet potatoes, then sprinkle the chopped pecans on top if you’re using them. Pop the dish back in the oven for 5 more minutes so the butter and nuts get toasty and the glaze thickens slightly—this step really lifts the dish, trust me!

How to Serve Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. It adds such a lovely pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, rich glaze. Sometimes I add a bit of lemon zest if I’m feeling fancy—it really brightens those cozy flavors.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I like serving this with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also pair wonderfully and add a bit of crunch. If you want extra carbs, some fluffy quinoa or wild rice blend is perfect to soak up any glaze left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve arranged the chicken sliced on a bed of sweet potatoes with a drizzle of extra glaze in a wide shallow bowl. A sprinkle of toasted pecans and parsley really elevates the look. A rustic wooden board with small bowls of sides and sauces creates a fun family-style vibe everyone enjoys digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 3-4 days. The sweet potatoes stay pleasantly soft and the chicken remains juicy, especially when reheated gently. Pro tip: keep the glaze juices in the container to keep that flavor locked in.

Freezing

This Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe freezes really well. I like freezing individual portions for quick meals later on. Just make sure to cool completely before freezing, and use freezer-safe containers or bags. When thawed, the texture holds up impressively well, and you won’t lose much of that signature glaze flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I set the oven to 325°F (160°C) and warm the leftovers covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes. This prevents drying out while warming evenly and keeps the sweet potatoes soft. Microwaving works in a pinch but I feel the oven does a better job preserving texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s simple, comforting, and feels just a bit luxurious thanks to the maple glaze. It’s the kind of dish I’m always excited to share with friends, and I think you’ll enjoy cooking and eating it just as much. Give it a try—you might find yourself cooking it over and over, just like I do!

Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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This Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts roasted alongside sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes. Coated with a luscious maple syrup glaze balanced by apple cider vinegar and seasoned with thyme, garlic powder, and a hint of butter, this dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. Topped optionally with crunchy pecans and fresh parsley, it’s a wholesome, elegant meal perfect for a comforting dinner.

• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Glaze

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Vegetables and Garnish

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Toss them lightly with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a large baking sheet or roasting pan.
2. Make the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper until well combined. This glaze will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken and sweet potatoes.
3. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet among the sweet potatoes, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded.
4. Glaze the chicken and sweet potatoes: Brush the maple glaze generously over the chicken breasts and all around the sweet potatoes. Make sure everything is evenly coated to maximize flavor and caramelization during roasting.
5. Roast in the oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, remove the pan and baste the chicken and sweet potatoes again with the remaining glaze for extra moisture and flavor. Continue roasting until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
6. Add butter and pecans: About 5 minutes before removing the dish from the oven, dot the sweet potatoes with the butter and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the dish for a delightful nutty crunch. Return to oven to allow the butter to melt and the pecans to toast lightly.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Serve the maple-glazed chicken breasts alongside the roasted sweet potatoes, ensuring each plate gets some of the flavorful pecans and buttery glaze.

Notes

• To ensure even cooking, cut sweet potatoes into uniform-sized cubes.
• Use fresh thyme for the best aroma; dried thyme is a perfect substitute if fresh is unavailable.
• Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or drying out.
• Chopped pecans are optional but add a lovely texture and nutty contrast.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: maple glazed chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, easy chicken dinner, maple syrup chicken, healthy chicken recipe, roasted chicken and vegetables