Crispy, golden-brown chicken glazed in a sweet and savory maple sauce, paired with a vibrant medley of roasted sweet potatoes – this dish is the epitome of comfort food with a modern twist. Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible aroma and flavors that will transport you to a cozy, autumn-inspired gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Medley
This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings for something hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying. The crispy, golden-brown chicken skin contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender meat, while the sweet and savory maple glaze adds a mouthwatering layer of flavor. The roasted sweet potato medley, with its natural sweetness and vibrant colors, complements the chicken perfectly, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a cozy, home-cooked meal, this Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Medley is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Medley include bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, a blend of sweet potatoes, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a selection of warm spices. Together, these components come together to create a dish that is both comforting and bursting with delicious autumnal flavors.
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the crispy skin is a must!
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced – a colorful blend of sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup maple syrup – the star of the show, adding a sweet and caramelized glaze
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – for a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – a subtle hint of heat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option (adjust cooking time accordingly)
- Sweet Potatoes: A combination of carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts can be used for a different root vegetable medley
How to Make Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Medley
This recipe is a delightful blend of classic flavors with a modern twist. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this irresistible dish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing the sweet potato medley. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, then toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet and set them aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken skin-side down until the skin is crispy and golden-brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the chicken roasts, make the maple glaze by whisking together 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and brush the maple glaze over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and continue to cook until the glaze is caramelized and the chicken is cooked to your desired doneness, about 5-7 minutes more.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
In the meantime, roast the sweet potato medley in the oven until tender and lightly caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Once the chicken and sweet potatoes are ready, serve the Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with the roasted sweet potato medley. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Crunch: For a pop of color and texture, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the sweet potato medley.
- Spice it Up: Switch up the spices in the glaze by using a touch of cinnamon, ginger, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken over a bed of roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad for a more well-rounded meal.
- Meal Prep: The sweet potato medley can be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve. The maple glaze can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a simple green salad, roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the delicious maple glaze.
Storage: Leftover Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Medley can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the chicken and sweet potatoes in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: The sweet potato medley can be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve. The maple glaze can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to brush it onto the chicken.
Nutrition Information
This Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Medley is a well-balanced, nutrient-dense meal. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The maple glaze adds a touch of natural sweetness, and the overall dish is a cozy, comforting option that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with 1 cup of sweet potato medley
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?
To achieve the perfect crispy chicken skin, be sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning and searing them in a hot, oiled skillet. This will help the skin render and get beautifully golden-brown.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work well in this recipe, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Keep an eye on the chicken and use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the sweet potato medley in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The maple glaze can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to brush it onto the chicken.
What should I serve with this Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the delicious maple glaze. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Can I make this recipe in the air fryer or Instant Pot?
While this recipe is designed for the oven, you can certainly adapt it for the air fryer or Instant Pot. For the air fryer, simply follow the same steps, adjusting the cooking time as needed. For the Instant Pot, you may need to brown the chicken first, then pressure cook the chicken and sweet potatoes together before finishing with the maple glaze.
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Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Medley
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Medley is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory maple glaze, served alongside a colorful medley of roasted sweet potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 medium sweet potatoes, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup green beans, trimmed
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. While the chicken is marinating, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
5. Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes.
6. After 20 minutes, place the marinated chicken in the oven alongside the sweet potatoes.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the green beans to the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes.
9. Remove everything from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the sweet potato medley.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sweet potato medley
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, maple, sweet potatoes, glaze, healthy