When succulent chicken meets tender sweet potatoes drenched in a luscious maple glaze, dinner becomes something truly special. This beginner-friendly recipe brings together a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. With just a handful of pantry staples—pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, and a hint of cinnamon—you transform ordinary ingredients into a memorable weeknight dinner or lunch option. It’s one of those recipes that feels comforting yet exciting, perfect for when you’re craving something healthy but crave-worthy at the same time.
I still remember the first time I made this dish: my kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery as the sweet potatoes roasted to golden perfection and the chicken glistened under its sticky maple coating. While the oven did most of the work, the real magic happened when I hit the broiler for those final caramelized edges—crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking up a quick family feast, this dish holds up beautifully. Each juicy bite of chicken, each forkful of soft sweet potato, carries that delightful touch of maple complexity. Trust me, once you give it a try, this simple yet flavorful combination will be on your rotation for good.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN MAPLE-GLAZED CHICKEN WITH SWEET POTATOES
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a closer look at the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays its part, lending flavor, texture, or stability to this effortless yet impressive dish.
- Chicken breasts
Lean and tender, boneless skinless chicken breasts provide a protein-packed foundation. Their mild flavor soaks up the maple glaze beautifully, ensuring each mouthful is juicy and satisfying.
- Sweet potatoes
Cubed and roasted, sweet potatoes add a vibrant pop of color and naturally sweet undertones. They caramelize in the oven, creating a soft interior and crispy edges that complement the glazed chicken.
- Pure maple syrup
The heart of the glaze, pure maple syrup brings layered sweetness and a subtle vanilla-like warmth. It balances the savory elements and encourages caramelization under the broiler.
- Olive oil
A drizzle of olive oil helps the glaze coat evenly and prevents the chicken and sweet potatoes from sticking. It also contributes a fruit-forward richness to the overall flavor.
- Dijon mustard
Sharp and tangy, Dijon mustard cuts through the sweetness, lending complexity and depth to the marinade. It acts as an emulsifier, binding the oil and maple syrup together.
- Soy sauce
A splash of soy sauce provides a gentle savory note and umami punch. It deepens the color of the glaze and enhances the overall seasoning.
- Garlic
Fresh minced garlic brings a warm, aromatic foundation. Its pungent bite mellows during roasting, infusing the dish with garlicky goodness.
- Salt
Essential for seasoning, salt heightens all the flavors and ensures the chicken remains juicy and well-seasoned through and through.
- Black pepper
A pinch of black pepper adds a subtle heat and earthy nuance, balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
- Dried thyme
With its lemony, woodsy profile, dried thyme pairs perfectly with both sweet potato and chicken. It adds a hint of herbal freshness.
- Cinnamon
Just a touch of ground cinnamon introduces warmth and spice, giving the glaze a cozy, autumnal twist.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley scattered on top offers a burst of color and mild herbal brightness, cutting through the richness and tying the dish together.
HOW TO MAKE MAPLE-GLAZED CHICKEN WITH SWEET POTATOES
Let’s walk through the simple yet transformative steps that turn these lovely ingredients into a standout dish. We’ll prep, marinate, roast, and broil for that irresistible caramelization.
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures a hot environment that will roast the sweet potatoes until tender and allow the chicken’s maple glaze to develop a beautiful golden color.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and cinnamon until well combined. The goal is a smooth, cohesive glaze that clings to the chicken and sweet potato surfaces.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and turn them to coat with the maple mixture. Set aside to marinate for 10–15 minutes so the flavors penetrate deep into the meat, tenderizing and seasoning simultaneously.
4. Arrange the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. This spacing ensures even roasting and allows the edges to crisp up just right.
5. Lay the marinated chicken breasts over the sweet potatoes, pouring any remaining glaze from the bowl over the top. This creates a delicious maple pool at the bottom that the potatoes will soak up as they roast.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Turn on the broiler for the last 3–5 minutes of cooking to give the chicken and sweet potatoes a nice caramelized finish. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
8. Carefully remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, keeping every slice moist.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. The bright green flecks not only look inviting but add a final whisper of herbal freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MAPLE-GLAZED CHICKEN WITH SWEET POTATOES
When it comes to serving this dish, you have plenty of fun options to elevate your table and round out the meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a cozy dinner at home, here are some ideas to make each plate look and taste its best.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of a simple lemon-olive oil dressing cuts through the richness of the maple glaze, while mixed greens or arugula keep things light and refreshing.
- Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. The vibrant colors and earthy flavors provide a pleasant contrast to the sweet-spicy profile of the chicken and potatoes.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche on the side. The creamy tang adds an extra layer of flavor, and it’s perfect for spooning over each bite of chicken to mellow the sweetness.
- Turn leftovers into lunch bowls or sandwiches. Slice the chicken, mix with sweet potato cubes, and add extra fresh greens or wraps. A quick drizzle of additional maple syrup or a sprinkle of chili flakes gives new life to the meal prep.
HOW TO STORE MAPLE-GLAZED CHICKEN WITH SWEET POTATOES
Storing this dish correctly ensures you’ll enjoy those sticky-sweet flavors long after the first bite. Here’s how to keep your leftovers tasting fresh and delicious.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Let the chicken and potatoes cool slightly before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Label and date the container for up to four days of maximum freshness. Storing in single servings helps with easy grab-and-go lunches or reheating just what you need.
- Freeze for longer storage in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Press out excess air before sealing and use within two months for best flavor retention.
- Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through, brushing lightly with olive oil or leftover glaze. This helps revive the caramelized exterior and ensures the chicken stays juicy.
CONCLUSION
This Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes recipe brings together sweet, savory, and aromatic elements in a way that’s both effortless and deeply satisfying. From the rich complexity of pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard to the cozy warmth of cinnamon and thyme, every bite is an adventure in flavor. With a total preparation time of just 15 minutes, 30 minutes of cooking, and a brief 5-minute rest, you’ll have a complete, balanced meal on the table in under an hour. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for an easy dinner recipe or simply someone who loves a healthy meal that feels indulgent, this dish ticks all the boxes: it’s gluten-free, low-calorie at around 400 calories per serving, and adaptable—swap in butternut squash if you like, or batch-prep for the week ahead.
Feel free to print or save this recipe article for later use. You’ll find a handy FAQ section below to answer any common queries about technique, substitutions, and more. If you try this dish, I would love to hear about your experience—did you catch that perfect caramelization? Have questions about marinating times or presentation? Drop a comment, share your photos, or ask for tips. Your feedback helps me refine and share more recipes that bring joy and flavor to your kitchen.
Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Description
This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with caramelized sweet potatoes, all drizzled in a rich maple glaze that brings a delightful harmony of flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and cinnamon until well combined.
-
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and turn them to coat with the maple mixture. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.
-
Arrange the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
-
Lay the marinated chicken breasts over the sweet potatoes, pouring any remaining glaze from the bowl over the top.
-
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
-
Turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking to give the chicken and sweet potatoes a nice caramelized finish.
-
Carefully remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
-
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- Maple syrup not only provides sweetness but a rich complexity to the chicken.
- You can substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash, if preferred.
- Pair this dish with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to ensure it remains juicy.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep as the flavors develop even more after a day.
