Why Make This Recipe

Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes is a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love. The sweet and savory blend of flavors from the maple syrup and herbs makes the chicken juicy and tasty. Plus, the sweet potatoes add a nutritious twist to your plate, making this recipe a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions.

How to Make Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on half of the prepared baking sheet.
In the same bowl, combine the chicken breasts with the remaining olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Arrange the maple-glazed chicken breasts on the other half of the baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly toasted. Remove from heat.
Once the chicken and sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the sweet potatoes.
Transfer the chicken and sweet potatoes to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables. You can serve the chicken and sweet potatoes on a large platter for family-style dining.

How to Store Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, so both the chicken and sweet potatoes cook evenly.
Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on how sweet you like your dishes.
You can add other vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots if you want to vary the recipe.

Variation

For a different flavor, you can swap out the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar. This will give the dish a richer taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes, but try to thaw them and pat them dry before cooking for the best results.

2. Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! You can grill the marinated chicken breasts for a smoky flavor. Just make sure they reach the safe cooking temperature.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and marinate the chicken in advance. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.