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Maple-glazed chicken with sweet potatoes on a white plate garnished with fresh parsley and toasted pecans

Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Juicy chicken breasts coated in rich maple syrup paired with tender, caramelized sweet potatoes create a delightful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners in just 50 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each, pounded to ½-inch thickness
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup Grade A amber recommended
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder divided (1 tsp for potatoes, ½ tsp for chicken)
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large bowl
  • Small skillet
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on half of the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren't crowded.
  3. Using the same bowl, combine the chicken breasts with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and fresh thyme. Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the glaze mixture.
  4. Arrange the glazed chicken breasts on the other half of the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even roasting. Place the pan in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender with golden brown edges.
  5. During the last 10 minutes of roasting, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until they smell nutty and turn golden brown. Remove from heat immediately.
  6. Once the chicken and sweet potatoes are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes, then sprinkle the toasted pecans over the sweet potatoes.
  7. Transfer everything to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the maple glaze mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking. You can substitute fresh sweet potatoes with pre-cut frozen sweet potato cubes for convenience. If you like spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple glaze mixture. Pound chicken breasts to even ½-inch thickness for consistent cooking. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.