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It’s a busy Thursday, and I’m already dreaming of a delicious dinner that doesn’t leave me with a mountain of dishes. This Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is my favorite sheet pan chicken dinner! Everything, the tender chicken, the caramelized sweet potatoes, roasts together on one pan.
It’s the ultimate easy weeknight meal for a busy fall night! Whether you want simple sheet pan maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes, maple roasted chicken with sweet potatoes and apples, or chicken breast and sweet potato recipes oven style, this works perfectly. This simple maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes delivers a sweet and savory flavor profile with maple syrup glaze for a perfect skillet dinner one-pan meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
1. Perfect Fall Flavors – This is the ultimate autumn chicken breast recipes with that sweet and savory flavor profile everyone craves. The maple syrup glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating layers of flavor. Combined with tender sweet potatoes, this captures everything you love about fall meals with chicken and healthy fall chicken recipes.
2. Ready in Under an Hour – This easy maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes is one of those quick chicken main dish recipe options that’s done fridge to table in under an hour. The skillet dinner one-pan meal approach means minimal cleanup. Perfect for chicken fall dinners when you want something special without spending hours cooking.
3. One-Pan Simplicity – This flavorful skillet chicken breasts bake up in only one pan, making it ideal for sweet potato one pan dinner meals. Everything cooks together, the flavors meld beautifully, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s one of those dinner recipes with sweet potatoes that makes weeknight cooking easy.
Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create restaurant-quality fall flavors. You’re making the best chicken and sweet potato dish with pantry staples.
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs (4-6 pieces)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning blend or paprika
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh green onions or scallions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: mashed sweet potatoes as a side
Why These Ingredients Matter
Maple Syrup Glaze – Pure maple syrup is essential for authentic flavor. The maple syrup glaze creates that signature sweet and savory flavor profile. Mixed with balsamic vinegar, it adds depth and tanginess that balances the sweetness. This glaze caramelizes on the chicken, creating a beautiful golden coating that’s perfect for honey maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes variations.
Sweet Potatoes and Apples – Sweet potatoes roast beautifully and their natural sweetness complements the maple glaze. Apples add another layer of fall flavor and texture. Together, they create the perfect base for maple roasted chicken with sweet potatoes and apples. This combination is what makes dinner ideas sweet potato so appealing.
Sautéed or Seared Chicken – Starting by searing the chicken creates a golden crust that locks in juices. Whether using chicken breasts or thighs, that initial sear is crucial. This technique works for both chicken breast and sweet potato recipes oven style and stovetop methods, making it versatile for grilled chicken and sweet potato recipe needs.
Instructions for Making Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F if finishing in the oven, or keep on stovetop for skillet dinner method.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne if using, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and steak seasoning blend.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate.
Step 5: In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
Step 6: Add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add sliced apples and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. Pour the maple glaze over everything, making sure to coat the chicken well.
Step 8: If using oven: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 9: If cooking on stovetop: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning chicken once halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 10: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh green onions or scallions and fresh parsley before serving.
Hint: This pairs beautifully with marry me chicken pasta for an Italian-inspired meal, or serve alongside taco rice bowl for variety.
Top Tip
What is a Good Marinade for Chicken with Sweet Potatoes? – A good marinade includes maple syrup or honey for sweetness, acid like balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, oil for moisture, and aromatics like garlic and herbs. For this recipe, the maple-balsamic mixture works perfectly. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor. The sweet potatoes can roast without marinating.
Can You Eat Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Together? – Yes, chicken and sweet potatoes together make an excellent, nutritious meal! They’re a perfect pairing nutritionally because chicken provides lean protein while sweet potatoes offer complex carbs, fiber, and vitamins. The flavors complement each other beautifully, especially with sweet glazes like maple. This combination is popular in healthy chicken and sweet potato recipes.
Use Pure Maple Syrup – Don’t substitute pancake syrup for real maple syrup. Pure maple syrup has complex flavor notes that artificial syrup can’t replicate. It’s worth the investment for this dish. Grade A amber or dark maple syrup works best for cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. Overcooked chicken breast especially gets dry. If using thighs, they’re more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. This is key for chicken breast fall recipes.
My Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes Journey
I discovered this recipe when I was looking for fall meals with chicken that felt special but weren’t complicated. I wanted something that captured those cozy autumn flavors without spending all day in the kitchen. When I made it for the first time, Grandma watched me and said, “Jazzy, this is beautiful! That maple glaze is perfect for fall. You know, maple and sweet potatoes together is such a natural combination. My mother used to make something similar, but she’d add pecans on top. This one-pan method is so much easier than her way, but it’s got all the same delicious flavors.”
She was absolutely right. Now this is one of my favorite chicken fall recipes that I make throughout autumn. It’s become a staple when the weather turns cool and I start craving those sweet and savory flavor profile meals. Every time I make it, I remember that first batch and how the whole house smelled amazing. It’s proof that the best seasonal cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive.
Substitutions for Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Protein Options – Use chicken tenderloins for faster cooking. Try bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor (increase cooking time by 10 minutes). Turkey cutlets work beautifully with this glaze. For chicken and sweet potato stew version, cube the chicken and add more liquid.
Sweetener Swaps – Use honey instead of maple syrup for honey maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes. Brown sugar mixed with a little water works in a pinch. Each creates a slightly different but delicious glaze for sweet potatoes and chicken recipes.
Vegetable Variations – Substitute regular potatoes or butternut squash for sweet potatoes. Add Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips. Skip the apples or use pears instead. Each creates a different take on chicken and sweet potato meals.
Cooking Method Changes – Make it sheet pan maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes by arranging everything on a baking sheet and roasting at 425°F for 30-35 minutes. This creates easier cleanup and works great for easy chicken and sweet potato recipe meal prep.
Variations on Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Maple Roasted Chicken Breast – For maple roasted chicken breast only version, skip the sweet potatoes and roast chicken with the glaze at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. Serve over mashed sweet potatoes for a different presentation. This is perfect for dinner sweet potato focused meals.
Maple Roasted Chicken Thighs – For maple roasted chicken thighs, use bone-in, skin-on thighs and increase cooking time to 35-40 minutes. The crispy skin with maple glaze is incredible. This variation is richer and more flavorful for chicken fall dinners.
Maple Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Apples – Focus on the apple element by doubling the apples and adding a handful of dried cranberries. This creates a more fruit-forward dish that’s perfect for autumn chicken breast recipes and summer dinner sweet potato variations.
Grilled Version – For grilled chicken and sweet potato recipe, grill chicken and brush with maple glaze during the last few minutes. Roast sweet potatoes separately or wrap in foil and grill alongside. This works great for outdoor cooking, similar to techniques in lemon grilled salmon.
Air Fryer Method – Cook sweet potatoes in air fryer first at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then add chicken (following techniques from air fryer chicken breast) and cook together for 12-15 minutes, brushing with maple glaze. Perfect for sweet potato with chicken quick dinners.
Equipment for Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Large Oven-Safe Skillet – A 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet that can go from stovetop to oven is ideal. This is essential for the one-pan meal approach.
Meat Thermometer – Critical for perfectly cooked chicken. Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F. This prevents overcooking and ensures food safety.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – For prepping sweet potatoes, apples, and onions. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
Small Bowl and Whisk – For mixing the maple glaze. A whisk incorporates the ingredients smoothly.
Storage Tips for Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Refrigerator Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The maple glaze may thicken in the fridge. Keep chicken and sweet potatoes together to maintain moisture.
Reheating Tips – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze. You can also microwave for 2-3 minutes, but the texture won’t be as good. Oven reheating at 350°F for 15 minutes works well for maintaining texture.
Freezer Storage – This freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing in portions. The sweet potatoes may be slightly softer after freezing but still taste great. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Meal Prep Strategy – Make a double batch for healthy chicken and sweet potato recipes meal prep throughout the week. Store in individual containers. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for dinner ideas sweet potato planning.
Grandma’s Secret for Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Grandma taught me the most important trick for making this dish restaurant-quality. “Jazzy,” she said while watching me cook one evening, “the secret to really good maple glazed chicken is to not add all the glaze at once. Brush the chicken with about two-thirds of the glaze before cooking, then save the rest to brush on during the last 5 minutes of cooking. That way you get layers of maple flavor – some caramelized and dark, some fresh and bright. And another secret: let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. That lets the juices redistribute and the glaze sets into a beautiful coating.”
She was absolutely right. Now I always hold back some glaze for the end, and the flavor is so much better. Her other secret is to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly with the chicken. She says nothing ruins a dish like some pieces being mushy while others are still hard. These simple tricks turn good maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes into amazing, perfectly balanced sweet potatoes and chicken that everyone loves.
FAQ about Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
What is a good marinade for chicken with sweet potatoes?
A good marinade for chicken with sweet potatoes includes a sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar), an acid (balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice), oil (olive or vegetable), aromatics (garlic, ginger), and herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage). For this recipe, the maple-balsamic-garlic-thyme combination is perfect. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours for best results. Sweet potatoes don’t need marinating, just toss with oil and seasonings.
Can you eat chicken and sweet potatoes together?
Absolutely! Chicken and sweet potatoes together make an excellent, nutritious, and delicious combination. Nutritionally, they complement each other perfectly – chicken provides lean protein while sweet potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. The mild, sweet flavor of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with savory or sweet chicken preparations. This combination is popular in healthy meal prep and works for various diets.
Can raw chicken and potatoes be cooked together?
Yes, raw chicken and potatoes can be cooked together, but timing is important. Potatoes (including sweet potatoes) take longer to cook than chicken, so cut them into smaller pieces or give them a head start. In this recipe, we sear the chicken first, then add sweet potatoes and give them extra cooking time before returning the chicken. When cooking together from raw, use 1-inch potato cubes and ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F.
What flavors pair well with sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes pair beautifully with both sweet and savory flavors. Sweet pairings include maple syrup, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and marshmallows. Savory options include garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. They work well with tangy elements like balsamic vinegar or lime juice. Sweet potatoes complement proteins like chicken, pork, and turkey. For this dish, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and thyme create the perfect flavor combination.
Conclusion
This Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is absolutely perfect for busy nights! And just like that, a beautiful, cozy dinner is on the table, and you only have one pan to clean. Here’s to a delicious meal that gives you your Thursday night back to get cozy with your family!
If you love chicken with sweet potatoes, check out this Winter Chicken Bake from Allrecipes for another delicious sweet potato and chicken variation.
Give this maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes recipe a try and let me know what you think. Grandma and I love hearing about your fall cooking successes!
Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Large oven-safe skillet A 12-inch cast iron skillet is what Grandma would have used!
- 1 Small bowl For mixing the glaze.
- 1 Whisk `
- 1 Meat thermometer Grandma's secret: 165°F ($74°C) for juicy chicken every time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs About 4–6 pieces. Thighs are more forgiving, just like Grandma!
- 2 large sweet potatoes Peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 apples Cored and sliced. Honeycrisp or Gala work beautifully.
- 1 medium onion Sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Divided
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning blend or paprika
For the Maple Glaze (Grandma’s Magic)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup Please use the real stuff! Grandma insisted it's the heart of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, but Grandma loved the tiny bit of warmth it adds.
For Serving
- fresh green onions or scallions Sliced
- fresh parsley Chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the glaze: the [pure maple syrup], [balsamic vinegar], minced [garlic], [dried thyme], [smoked paprika], and the optional [cayenne pepper]. Grandma always said to "save some for later," so set about 1/3 of this glaze aside in a separate small bowl for the end.
- Pat the [chicken breasts or thighs] dry with paper towels. Grandma taught me a dry chicken gets the best golden crust! Season both sides generously with [salt and pepper] and the [steak seasoning blend].
- Heat 1 tablespoon of [olive oil] in your large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add the seasoned chicken. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. This is where that deep, "cooked all day" flavor comes from. Remove the chicken to a plate for now.
- In the same skillet (don't wipe it out!), add the remaining tablespoon of [olive oil]. Add the cubed [sweet potatoes] and cook, stirring every so often, for 5-6 minutes. You want them to start getting those delicious brown, caramelized edges. Add the sliced [onion] and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it softens and smells amazing.
- Add the sliced [apples] to the skillet and give it a quick stir for 1-2 minutes. Now, return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it right in with the vegetables. Pour the main portion of the maple glaze (the 2/3 you didn't set aside) all over the chicken and vegetables.
- Transfer the whole skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stovetop Method: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Either way, it's done when the chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) and the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender.
- This is the trick from Grandma's notebook! Remove the skillet from the heat. Brush the reserved 1/3 of the glaze over the hot chicken. This gives it a fresh, bright maple flavor that makes all the difference. Let the entire skillet rest for 5 minutes. She swore this is what makes the chicken so juicy.
- Garnish with fresh [green onions or parsley] and serve this cozy, delicious meal right from the skillet. This is the part Olivia, my daughter, loves to help with!
Notes
- Grandma’s Wisdom: “Don’t you dare use pancake syrup, Jazzy!” The flavor for this comes from 100% pure maple syrup. It’s the only way to get that authentic, complex sweetness she loved.
- Vegetable Variations: No apples? Pears work beautifully. You can also swap the sweet potatoes for butternut squash cubes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to bring the glaze back to life.
