Embrace the flavors of the season with this Cranberry Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs on Sweet Potato Mash recipe. Savory, saucy chicken thighs are glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry maple sauce, then served atop a creamy, comforting sweet potato mash. This dish is the perfect balance of bold, cozy, and nourishing – a true celebration of autumn’s bounty.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs on Sweet Potato Mash
Dive into a world of comforting flavors with this epic dish! The juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thighs are the perfect canvas for the festive cranberry maple glaze, which lends a delightful zest and sweetness. The smooth, velvety sweet potato mash provides the ultimate cozy backdrop, creating a hearty, satisfying meal. Plus, the vibrant colors and textures make this dish a true showstopper, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple list of wholesome, seasonal ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, butter, milk, fresh cranberries, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and a few pantry staples.
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free sweet potato mash: Use a plant-based milk and butter alternative.
- Frozen cranberries: Can be used in place of fresh (may need to adjust cooking time).
How to Make Cranberry Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs on Sweet Potato Mash
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Next, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin. Then, make the cranberry maple glaze by simmering together fresh cranberries, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Brush the glaze over the chicken and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve the cranberry maple glazed chicken thighs atop the sweet potato mash, spooning any extra glaze over the top.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the sweet potato mash. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil until tender. Mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, smooth base.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin. Then, make the cranberry maple glaze by simmering together fresh cranberries, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Brush the glaze over the chicken and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is cooked through, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Serve the cranberry maple glazed chicken thighs atop the sweet potato mash, spooning any extra glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a vibrant, festive finish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Dairy-free option: For a more decadent dish, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese to the sweet potato mash.
- Fruit variations: Experiment with different types of fruit in the glaze, such as fresh orange zest or a splash of apple cider.
- Crispy skin: For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for a minute or two at the end of the cooking process.
- Sweetener swap: You can swap the maple syrup for honey or agave if desired.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The sweet potato mash can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This dish is not only delicious, but also nourishing. The sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamin A, while the chicken thighs provide ample protein. The cranberry maple glaze adds a touch of natural sweetness without being overpowering. Overall, this meal is a hearty, satisfying option that will leave you feeling satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with mash
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 37 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so be sure to check the internal temperature and adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I make the sweet potato mash ahead of time?
Yes, the sweet potato mash can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Cranberry Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs on Sweet Potato Mash recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Definitely! Frozen cranberries will work great in the glaze. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen cranberries may release more moisture.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply use a plant-based milk and butter alternative in the sweet potato mash. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Try These Next
- Sweet And Savory Maple Glazed Chicken Skewers
- Crispy Herb Chicken And Sweet Potato Hash
- Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers
Cranberry Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs on Sweet Potato Mash
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Succulent chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry maple sauce, served over creamy sweet potato mash. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup milk
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down in a hot skillet until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken thighs, pour the cranberry sauce over them, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5. While the chicken is baking, peel and chop sweet potatoes. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Drain sweet potatoes and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
7. Serve chicken thighs on a bed of sweet potato mash, drizzled with extra cranberry sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cranberry sauce. You can also substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with mash
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken, cranberry, maple, sweet potato, dinner