Gather your loved ones for a truly special meal with this Maple Pecan Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash. This epic dish is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and festive flair, guaranteed to impress and delight. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a warm, zesty maple pecan glaze, while a creamy, velvety sweet potato mash provides the ultimate cozy companion. Get ready to savor the flavors of the season in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash
This indulgent, crowd-pleasing dish is the epitome of comfort and joy. The juicy, tender chicken is elevated with a rich, luscious maple pecan glaze that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The creamy, bright sweet potato mash provides a velvety, satisfying base that complements the bold flavors beautifully. Together, this feast is a true celebration of the season, guaranteed to fill your heart and home with warmth and delight.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple, yet flavorful list of ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pure maple syrup, chopped pecans, a blend of warm spices, and a few kitchen staples like butter, garlic, and heavy cream. For the sweet potato mash, you’ll use sweet potatoes, butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup – Pure maple syrup
- 1 cup – Chopped pecans
- 1 tsp each – Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice
- 2 tbsp – Unsalted butter, divided
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (same cooking method)
- Dairy: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free version
How to Make Maple Pecan Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the chicken. Pat the thighs dry, then season them generously with salt, pepper, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Next, peel and dice the sweet potatoes, ready to be boiled and mashed.
Step 1: Prep Work
In a large skillet, sear the seasoned chicken thighs over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven to finish cooking. While the chicken roasts, boil the sweet potato cubes until tender. Drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small saucepan, make the maple pecan glaze by combining the maple syrup, pecans, and a touch of butter. Once the chicken is cooked through, brush it generously with the warm, sticky glaze. Serve the juicy, glazed chicken alongside the creamy sweet potato mash for a truly epic, cozy feast.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
For an extra festive touch, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme. The vibrant green hues will add a beautiful pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Nut Swap: Try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans in the glaze
- Crispy Chicken: Broil the thighs for 1-2 minutes after glazing for extra crispiness
- Creamier Mash: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sweet potatoes
- Flavor Boost: Use a combination of maple syrup and bourbon in the glaze
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted brussels sprouts, or a simple steamed vegetable side.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the chicken and mash in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: The sweet potato mash can be made a day or two in advance and reheated. The chicken can be partially cooked and then finished and glazed just before serving.
Nutrition Information
This delicious dish is not only comforting and flavorful, but it’s also quite nutritious. The chicken provides a lean source of protein, while the sweet potatoes are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Overall, this meal is a well-balanced and satisfying choice, perfect for fueling your body and nourishing your soul.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup mash
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the dish will still turn out delicious.
How do I make the sweet potato mash dairy-free?
To make the sweet potato mash dairy-free, simply use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, in place of the regular dairy products.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components in advance. The sweet potato mash can be made a day or two ahead and reheated before serving. The chicken can also be seared and partially cooked, then glazed and finished in the oven right before your meal.
What sides would pair well with this dish?
The Maple Pecan Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash is a complete and satisfying meal on its own. However, you could also serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted brussels sprouts, or a simple steamed vegetable side.
How do I reheat leftover chicken and mash?
To reheat the leftovers, place the chicken and sweet potato mash in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated.
Try These Next
- maple glazed bbq ribs with sweet potato mash
- cranberry maple glazed chicken thighs on sweet potato mash
- maple bourbon glazed sweet potato casserole with crunchy topping
Maple Pecan Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive dish features juicy chicken glazed with a sweet maple pecan sauce, served over creamy sweet potato mash for a delightful seasonal feast.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 medium sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. 2. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. 3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the maple mixture over them.
5. 4. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
6. 5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. 6. While the chicken is baking, peel and chop the sweet potatoes.
8. 7. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
9. 8. Drain and mash sweet potatoes with milk, butter, and cinnamon.
10. 9. Serve the glazed chicken over sweet potato mash and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the maple mixture for a few hours before baking.
– You can add more or less maple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with mash
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, maple, pecans, sweet potato, festive