Name: Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet: 1 Divine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

Maple glazed chicken sweet has been my go-to weeknight dinner solution for years. I remember the first time I tried making it; I was aiming for something that felt special but was still quick enough for a Tuesday. The aroma of the sweet maple syrup caramelizing with the savory soy sauce and tender chicken filled my kitchen, and the roasted sweet potatoes added a comforting, earthy sweetness. It was an instant hit! This maple glazed chicken recipe combines those perfect sweet and savory notes that everyone loves. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet

This maple glazed chicken sweet recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is just divine, and pairing it with tender roasted sweet potatoes makes it a complete, satisfying meal. You’ll love how the chicken bakes up perfectly juicy with a beautiful caramelized glaze. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce kids to new flavors, as the sweetness is very approachable. It’s also a great option when you want a healthy-ish meal that still feels like a treat. This easy maple glazed chicken is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet

Gather these simple ingredients for a fantastic maple glazed chicken recipe that’s bursting with flavor. The chicken breasts or thighs will be incredibly tender, while the sweet potatoes roast to perfection.

Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet: 1 Divine Recipe - Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet - main visual representation

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – choose your favorite! Thighs tend to be a bit juicier.
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed – about 1-inch cubes for even roasting
2 tablespoons olive oil – essential for roasting the sweet potatoes until tender
1/2 cup maple syrup – use pure maple syrup for the best flavor in this sweet maple chicken breast dish
2 tablespoons soy sauce – adds depth and that irresistible savory element
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – for a little tang that balances the sweetness
1 teaspoon garlic powder – a foundational flavor enhancer
Salt and black pepper to taste – season generously for the best results

How to Make Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet

Let’s get this delicious maple glazed chicken recipe cooking! It’s a straightforward process that yields incredibly flavorful results.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot temperature is key for roasting the sweet potatoes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare your sweet potatoes. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes. You want them to start softening and getting a little color.
Step 3: While the sweet potatoes are doing their thing, let’s whip up that irresistible maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. This sauce is the heart of our sweet maple chicken breast dish!
Step 4: Now for the chicken! Pat your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better and promotes browning. Season them well with salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Time to bring it all together. After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the seasoned chicken to the same baking sheet, nestling them among the sweet potatoes. Spoon about half of the prepared maple glaze evenly over the chicken pieces.
Step 6: Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the glaze has thickened and caramelized beautifully. About halfway through this baking time, baste the chicken with the remaining glaze. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing!
Step 7: Once done, let the maple glazed chicken rest for a few minutes before serving alongside the roasted sweet potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Maple Glazed Chicken

Want to elevate your maple glazed chicken dinner ideas? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee a fantastic result every time. These tips will ensure your chicken is moist and the glaze is perfectly caramelized, not burnt!

Use pure maple syrup for the best depth of flavor; imitation syrups can taste artificial.
Pat your chicken thoroughly dry before seasoning and glazing. This helps the glaze stick and promotes better browning.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give both the chicken and sweet potatoes space so they roast evenly and develop a nice sear.
For a thicker glaze, you can simmer the leftover glaze in a small saucepan for a few minutes after baking.

What’s the secret to perfect Maple Glazed Chicken?

The secret to truly perfect maple glazed chicken lies in the balance of ingredients and proper cooking. Using pure maple syrup, a touch of Dijon mustard for tang, and soy sauce for umami creates a complex glaze. Baking at the right temperature and basting ensures a beautiful caramelization without burning. For more on the science of caramelization, check out this guide to caramelization.

Can I make Maple Glazed Chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze and chop the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, toss the potatoes with oil and seasonings, add the chicken, and proceed with the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the chicken is cold. This is a great tip for busy cooks, similar to how one might prepare ingredients for other make-ahead meals.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Maple Glazed Chicken?

The most common mistake is burning the glaze. To avoid this, keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes of baking and consider basting with the remaining glaze only during the final 10 minutes. Also, ensure chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Understanding proper food temperatures is crucial, and resources like the USDA’s temperature chart can be very helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet

This maple chicken recipe with glaze is incredibly versatile! For a complete and comforting meal, I love serving it alongside the roasted sweet potatoes that bake right on the same sheet pan. Another fantastic option is to pair it with some fluffy quinoa or a simple side of brown rice to soak up that delicious sweet and savory sauce. If you’re looking for a green element, a crisp asparagus or a fresh green bean almondine makes a wonderful contrast to the richness of the chicken. This sweet maple chicken breast dish is a crowd-pleaser, no matter how you serve it! You might also enjoy this similar chicken dish.

Nutrition Facts for Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet

This maple glazed chicken sweet recipe offers a balanced meal. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, along with complex carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes. The maple syrup contributes to the sugar content, so be mindful of portion sizes if you are monitoring your sugar intake. The olive oil and chicken fat contribute to the total fat, with a small amount of saturated fat. For more information on the nutritional benefits of chicken, you can consult resources like the Nutritionix database.

Calories: 450
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Maple Glazed Chicken

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious maple glazed chicken dinner ideas later. Once cooked, let the chicken and sweet potatoes cool down to room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer them to airtight containers. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this baked maple glazed chicken freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple: for refrigerated portions, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Frozen portions can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight and then reheated using the same methods. This is a great way to enjoy leftovers, much like you might with other prepared meals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Glazed Chicken

Got questions about this delicious maple chicken recipe with glaze? I’ve got you covered with answers to some common queries I get about making this dish.

What is maple glazed chicken?

Maple glazed chicken is a dish where chicken is coated in a sweet and savory glaze made primarily from maple syrup, often combined with ingredients like soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic. It’s typically baked or pan-seared until the glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.

Why is my maple chicken sticky?

The stickiness is the signature of a good maple glazed chicken! It comes from the natural sugars in the maple syrup and other glaze ingredients caramelizing during cooking. If it’s excessively sticky or burnt, it might be from cooking at too high a heat for too long, or not basting evenly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this maple glazed chicken recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are often a fantastic choice for this maple chicken recipe with glaze. They tend to be more forgiving and stay incredibly moist, even if cooked a little longer than breasts. The flavor is also a bit richer. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can find more tips on cooking chicken thighs here.

What are good side dishes for this sweet and savory maple chicken?

This sweet and savory maple chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips are great, as are simple steamed green beans or a fresh, crisp salad. Rice or quinoa also works well to soak up any extra glaze.

Variations of Maple Glazed Chicken Sweet You Can Try

Looking to switch things up with your maple chicken recipe with glaze? There are so many delicious ways to adapt this dish! Here are a few ideas to keep your taste buds excited.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for a delightful sweet and spicy contrast. This makes for a wonderfully complex sweet maple chicken breast.
Pan-Seared Perfection: Instead of baking, try pan-searing your chicken. Sear the chicken breasts or thighs in a hot skillet until golden brown, then add the glaze ingredients to the pan to create a quick, syrupy sauce. This is a fantastic method for pan-seared maple glazed chicken.
Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze or sprinkle them over the chicken and sweet potatoes before baking. This adds a lovely aromatic dimension to your maple glazed chicken dinner ideas.
Citrusy Brightness: A squeeze of fresh orange or lemon juice in the glaze can add a refreshing tang that cuts through the sweetness, making for a lighter yet equally flavorful glazed chicken with maple syrup.