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Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes – Cozy, Sweet & Savory Perfection

When you want a comforting, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful dinner that feels both nourishing and indulgent, this Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is the perfect solution. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warm aromas — roasted sweet potatoes, savory herbs, caramelized maple glaze, and perfectly juicy chicken. This recipe brings together the best fall and winter flavors: the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup, the earthiness of thyme, the nutty crunch of pecans, the creaminess of butter, and the satisfying richness of chicken breast. Sweet potatoes roast until caramelized and golden, soaking up the savory-sweet glaze. The chicken becomes juicy and tender while coated in a glossy, sticky maple layer that tastes both comforting and gourmet. It’s an ideal recipe for: Weeknight dinners Fall and winter meal prep Holiday menus Cozy gatherings Pinterest and blog sharing High-protein, wholesome meals This dish looks beautiful on any table and tastes even better than it looks — warm, tender, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Let’s make a meal that brings comfort with every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Organized exactly using your provided list.
Meat
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables & Fresh Ingredients
  • 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
Fresh parsley (as garnish)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
Condiments
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Spices & Seasonings
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Oils & Fats
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
Nuts
  • ¼ cup pecans roughly chopped

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Oven
  • Silicone spatula or spoon
  • Aluminum foil (optional for easier cleanup)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel sweet potatoes, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Add them to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with:
  4. 2 tbsp olive oil
  5. Salt and pepper
  6. ½ tsp garlic powder (optional extra flavor)
  7. Toss to coat, then spread onto one side of a baking sheet.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry.
  2. Place them in a bowl with:
  3. Remaining 1 tbsp olive oil
  4. Salt
  5. Pepper
  6. Remaining garlic powder
  7. Fresh thyme
  8. Rub seasoning evenly over each piece.
  9. Place chicken breasts on the other side of the sheet pan.
Step 3: Make the Maple Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
  2. ½ cup pure maple syrup
  3. 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  4. 2 tbsp melted butter
  5. The vinegar brightens the glaze, while the butter creates a glossy caramelized finish.
Step 4: Brush Chicken with Maple Glaze
  1. Brush half of the glaze over the chicken breasts.
  2. Drizzle a little over the sweet potatoes as well.
  3. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
Step 5: Roast Everything
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
  2. Halfway through, remove the tray:
  3. Flip sweet potatoes
  4. Brush chicken with remaining glaze
  5. Add pecans on top of the sweet potatoes (so they toast but don’t burn)
  6. Continue baking until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Sweet potatoes should be tender and caramelized.
Step 6: Rest & Garnish
  1. Remove chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the entire tray.
  3. Serve warm with extra toasted pecans for crunch.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze chicken and sweet potatoes separately for best texture (up to 2 months).
Reheating
Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
Air fryer: 4–5 minutes at 375°F
Microwave: 60–90 seconds
🥄 Variations
1. Spicy Maple Chicken
Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
2. Herb-Roasted Version
Add rosemary or sage.
3. Mustard Maple Upgrade
Add 1 tsp Dijon (non-alcoholic) to maple glaze.
4. Autumn Harvest Version
Add apple slices, carrots, or cranberries.
5. Crunchy Nutty Finish
Top with almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
6. Sheet-Pan Dinner Bowl
Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes — bone-in thighs work well; increase baking time to 35–40 minutes.
2. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but the flavor changes slightly.
3. Why are my sweet potatoes not crisp?
Spread them apart — overcrowding reduces browning.
4. Can I prep this ahead?
Yes — marinate chicken and chop potatoes the night before.
5. Can I use dried thyme?
Yes — use ½ teaspoon.
6. Should I peel the sweet potatoes?
Optional. Skin adds texture and nutrients.
7. Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes — use olive oil instead of butter.
8. Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use ⅓ cup maple syrup instead of ½ cup.
9. Is this meal healthy?
Yes — high-protein, nutrient-rich, and naturally sweetened.
10. Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes — cook chicken for 15–18 minutes and sweet potatoes separately for 12–14 minutes.
🏁 Conclusion
This Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cozy fall-inspired flavors. The tender chicken coated in a glossy maple glaze pairs wonderfully with caramelized sweet potatoes and crunchy toasted pecans. Every bite brings warmth, balance, and richness — comfort food without being heavy.
Whether you're preparing a simple weeknight dinner, a meal prep favorite, or a wholesome seasonal recipe to share with your audience, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with everyday ingredients. It’s colorful, nutritious, satisfying, and absolutely delicious — a guaranteed family-favorite meal.
Warm maple sweetness, golden sweet potatoes, juicy chicken, and toasted pecans — a perfect harmony of flavors.