Wonderful One-Pan Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

As the leaves begin to turn and a delightful chill fills the air, I often find myself craving meals that are both comforting and incredibly easy to prepare. My kitchen philosophy, as you know from whatwillcook.com, is all about finding that sweet spot where delicious food doesn’t demand hours of effort. That’s why I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite autumn go-to’s: a fabulous one-pan maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes.

This recipe brings together crispy, succulent chicken, tender sweet potatoes, and sweet apples, all coated in a rich, savory maple glaze. It’s the perfect answer to “What will I cook?” when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. From prep to plate, you’re looking at roughly an hour and fifteen minutes, and I promise you every minute is worth it. Come along, and let’s make some magic together!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen for so many wonderful reasons. It hits all the right notes for a satisfying and stress-free meal. Here’s why I adore this particular one-pan dish:

• Effortless Cleanup: The beauty of a one-pan meal is undeniable, and this recipe is no exception. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious creation. I always appreciate a streamlined cooking process.
• A Symphony of Sweet & Savory: The maple glaze offers a perfect balance, enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes and apples while complementing the savory richness of the chicken. The fresh herbs tie it all together for a truly harmonious flavor profile.
• Nourishing & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables, this dish is not just tasty but also wonderfully good for you. It’s a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
• Cozy Fall Comfort: There’s something inherently comforting about roasted chicken and root vegetables. This recipe captures the essence of cozy autumn evenings, filling your home with incredible aromas and your belly with warmth.

Key Ingredients for Your Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

When I’m making this maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes, I always pay a little extra attention to the ingredients. High-quality components really shine through in this recipe. Let me tell you about what I look for.

Choosing the Best Chicken Cut for this Maple Glazed Dish

For this recipe, I specifically call for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, and there’s a good reason why! Thighs are incredibly flavorful and stay juicy throughout the baking process because of their higher fat content. The bone also contributes to a richer flavor, and that crispy skin is just divine.

While you could use boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts, I find they tend to dry out more easily. If you opt for breasts, I recommend keeping a close eye on them and adjusting the cooking time, as they cook faster. For maximum flavor and succulence, stick with the bone-in, skin-on thighs; they truly make this maple glazed chicken outstanding.

Sweet Potato Varieties: Which Ones to Pick?

Sweet potatoes are the perfect partner for this maple glazed chicken, bringing natural sweetness and a lovely texture. When I’m at the grocery store, I usually reach for orange-fleshed varieties like Jewel or Garnet. These types are wonderfully sweet and become beautifully tender and creamy when roasted.

Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully alongside the maple syrup, contributing to the overall depth of flavor. Any medium-sized sweet potato will work perfectly, but these varieties are my top picks for consistency and taste.

Maple Syrup Matters: Grade, Quality, and Flavor Impact

When I talk about maple glazed chicken, I’m talking about real maple syrup, not pancake syrup! The difference is monumental in terms of flavor and quality. Real maple syrup offers a complex, natural sweetness with subtle caramel notes that pancake syrup, which is often corn syrup with artificial flavors, simply cannot replicate.

I typically use Grade A Dark, Robust Taste maple syrup for this recipe, as its strong, rich flavor holds up beautifully against the savory chicken and herbs. Grade A Amber, Rich Taste also works well, offering a slightly lighter, more delicate maple essence. Opting for genuine maple syrup is crucial for achieving that authentic, irresistible glaze.

How to Make One-Pan Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Getting this incredible maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes on your table is much simpler than you might think. Just follow my steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious, comforting meal in no time.

Ingredients

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 small onion
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 medium apple
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic one-pan meal:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large, cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop for a few minutes.
2. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet and place chicken thighs, skin side down, for a few minutes to make the skin crispy. Usually, the skin will stick to the pan until it’s browned enough and then it “releases” itself. So if it is still sticking, it may not be ready to flip yet.
3. While the chicken is browning, peel and chop sweet potatoes, quarter onions, and dice the apples.
4. Combine remaining one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Toss the sweet potatoes, apples, and onions in the oil and maple syrup mixture.
5. Flip chicken thighs skin side up and arrange sweet potatoes, apples, and onions around the chicken in the cast iron skillet.
6. Sprinkle the thyme and sage over top. Bake for one hour, or until chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Potatoes and apples should be fork tender.
7. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

I want you to have the most delicious experience possible with this maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes recipe. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. Here are my top tips for success:

• Crispy Skin, Not Sticky: Remember the trick I mentioned earlier about the chicken skin releasing itself from the pan? Don’t rush it! Let the skin brown thoroughly on the stovetop until it easily lifts. This ensures you get that wonderfully crispy skin without it tearing or sticking.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is a golden rule for roasting. If your skillet is too full, the ingredients will steam instead of roast, leading to mushy vegetables and less crispy chicken. If you’re doubling the recipe, I recommend using two skillets or a larger roasting pan.
• Temperature is Key: The best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, moist, and safe to eat is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone, to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Evenly Sized Veggies: For consistent cooking, try to chop your sweet potatoes and apples into roughly similar-sized pieces. This ensures everything becomes fork-tender at the same time, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or mushy.
• Rest Your Chicken: After removing the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.

Customizing Your Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own! This maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes is wonderfully adaptable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these ideas.

Flavor Boosts & A Little Kick

If you’re looking to add another layer of flavor or a hint of spice, I have a few suggestions for your maple glaze:

• Dijon Mustard: Whisk in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with the maple syrup for a subtle tang that beautifully complements the sweetness.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even chili flakes added to the oil mixture will give a lovely warmth and depth. Smoked paprika, in particular, adds a fantastic savory note.
• A Touch of Brightness: A splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit of orange zest can really lift the flavors and cut through the richness, adding a delightful zing to the glaze.

Substitutions & Variations for Your Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

I love how versatile this dish can be! Here are some common swaps and variations I’ve tried:

Ingredient	Substitution / Variation	Notes for Success
Chicken Thighs	Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs	Adjust cooking time; breasts may dry out faster. Reduce bake time to 30-40 minutes.
Sweet Potatoes	Butternut squash, parsnips, carrots, or regular potatoes	Cooking times might vary slightly. Cut similar in size.
Apple	Pear, or omit if you prefer less sweetness	Pears add a similar tender sweetness.
Onion	Shallots, leeks, or pearl onions	Milder flavor, cook similarly.
Thyme/Sage	Rosemary, marjoram, or dried herbs	Use 1/3 the amount for dried herbs.
Maple Syrup	Honey, or a touch of brown sugar (in a pinch)	Maple syrup offers a unique depth, but these can work.
Spice Boost	Pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chili flakes	Add to the oil mixture for a subtle warmth.
Greens	Stir in spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes	Adds extra vegetables and nutrients.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Magic

One-pan meals like this maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes are absolutely fantastic for meal prep! I love doing a little bit of work ahead of time to make weeknight dinners even smoother.

You can chop all your sweet potatoes, onions, and apples a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I also like to whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper ahead of time, ready to toss with the veggies. If you’re really pressed for time, you could even partially sear the chicken ahead of time, cool it, and store it, then finish baking it with the prepped veggies later. This recipe truly is perfect for getting a head start on healthy, delicious meals throughout the week!

Storing & Reheating Your Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Sometimes I make a little extra of this maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes intentionally, because the leftovers are just as delicious! Proper storage and reheating will help keep everything tasting great.

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, this recipe is also freezer-friendly! Simply portion out the chicken and vegetables into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For reheating, I find the oven or a stovetop skillet works best to maintain texture. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also use the microwave for convenience, though the chicken skin might lose some crispiness.

Serving Suggestions for Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

This maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes is a wonderfully complete meal all on its own, but I often enjoy adding a little something extra to round out the plate. Think about fresh, vibrant sides that complement the rich, savory-sweet flavors.

I often serve it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a fresh, crisp element. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are also fantastic choices if you want more vegetables. For something a little heartier, a side of quinoa or wild rice pilaf can soak up all those delicious pan juices. And if you’re like me, a crusty piece of bread is always a welcome addition! For drinks, a crisp white wine, a hard cider, or even just some sparkling water with a lemon slice would be lovely.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

I get a lot of great questions about my recipes, and I love answering them! Here are some common inquiries about this maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes:

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you definitely can! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer, but be aware that they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the baking time to about 30-40 minutes and always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, avoiding the bone. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.
• Can I make this recipe in a different type of pan? Absolutely! While I love my cast iron skillet for its even heat and stovetop-to-oven versatility, you can use any large, oven-safe pan or baking dish. A heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet or an enamel-coated cast iron pan would also work well. Just ensure it’s large enough so the ingredients aren’t too crowded.
• How can I make the glaze thicker? If you prefer a thicker glaze, you have a couple of options. You can carefully remove the chicken and vegetables from the skillet once they’re cooked, then place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Simmer the pan juices for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze reduces and thickens to your liking.
• Can I add other vegetables? Of course! This recipe is very flexible. Root vegetables like parsnips or carrots would be wonderful additions. You could also add Brussels sprouts or chunks of butternut squash. Just make sure to cut them to a similar size as the sweet potatoes for even cooking.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, it is! Once completely cooled, you can store the cooked maple glazed chicken and sweet potatoes in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• What’s the best way to get crispy chicken skin? The key to crispy skin is searing it thoroughly on the stovetop before baking. Make sure your skillet is hot, and use a little oil. Place the chicken skin-side down and let it brown without moving it until it “releases” from the pan, indicating it’s nicely crisped. Don’t crowd the pan, as this can steam the skin instead of crisping it.

I hope you feel inspired and ready to try this delightful one-pan maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes! It truly embodies what whatwillcook.com is all about: simple, quick, and utterly delicious meals that bring joy to your table. There’s something so satisfying about pulling this beautiful, aromatic dish from the oven. I just know it will become a cherished part of your meal rotation, especially as the seasons shift.

Please, give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you. I’d love to hear your experiences, or if you have any lingering questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below! Happy cooking!