Quick Maple Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Apples Recipe

Maple roasted chicken dances with sweet, savory promises that elevate home cooking from mundane to magical.

North American culinary traditions blend rustic charm and seasonal ingredients in this hearty dish.

Succulent poultry revamps when kissed by golden maple syrup’s rich complexity.

Crisp autumn apples and earthy sweet potatoes create a harmonious ensemble of flavors that sing together.

The recipe captures comfort and warmth on a single plate, inviting families to gather around steaming platters.

Culinary alchemy happens when simple ingredients merge with careful technique and thoughtful seasoning.

You’ll find this dish brings pure satisfaction to your table.

Why Maple Roasted Chicken Is Perfect for You

• Capture Crispy Skin Magic: Searing chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet creates an irresistibly golden, crackling skin that locks in juicy flavors and provides an incredible textural contrast.
• Celebrate Sweet-Savory Symphony: Maple syrup transforms this one-pan meal into a delightful blend of caramelized sweetness from apples and sweet potatoes, perfectly complementing the rich, tender chicken.
• Embrace Effortless Cooking: This recipe offers a simple, hands-off approach with minimal prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a delicious, nutritious meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for a Sweet and Savory Maple Chicken Roast

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut that provides the main protein, preferably bone-in and skin-on for better taste and moisture.

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that adds nutrition and sweetness, choose firm potatoes with smooth skin.
• Onions: Aromatic vegetable that provides depth of flavor, select fresh and firm onions.
• Apples: Sweet and tangy fruit that complements the savory chicken, use firm baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.

• Olive Oil: Helps with browning and prevents sticking, use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for more robust flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the vegetables, choose pure maple syrup for authentic taste.
• Fresh Thyme: Herb that provides earthy and aromatic notes, use fresh sprigs for maximum flavor.

How to Make Maple Chicken with Apples and Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet

Warm up the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Drizzle olive oil into the hot skillet. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin turns golden and crispy.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables and Fruit

• Sweet potatoes
• Onions
• Apples

Step 4: Create a Flavor Blend

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Maple syrup

Toss the chopped vegetables and apple in this delicious mixture.

Step 5: Arrange the Skillet

Flip chicken thighs skin-side up. Spread the seasoned vegetables and apple around the chicken. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sweet potatoes and apples should be soft and tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Caramelized Veggies

• Sear for Crispiness: Always pat chicken thighs dry before searing to achieve an extra crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in delicious flavors.
• Maple Syrup Selection: Choose pure, high-quality maple syrup for the most robust and authentic sweet taste that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
• Vegetable Size Matters: Cut sweet potatoes and apples into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Thyme Fresh Factor: Use fresh thyme leaves instead of dried herbs to boost the aromatic profile and add a bright, herbaceous note to the roasted chicken.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, preventing undercooked meat while maintaining juicy tenderness.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Maple Chicken Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Reheat: Place portions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drizzle extra maple syrup to restore moisture and enhance flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

Sides and Drinks That Complement This Fall Roast

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the maple-roasted chicken, balancing the sweet and savory flavors with its bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Alongside Nutty Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with toasted pecans and a light vinaigrette to complement the caramelized sweetness of the maple and roasted apples.
• Enhance with Herbal Beverage: A warm sage or thyme tea brings out the earthy herb notes in the dish, providing a soothing and aromatic accompaniment that echoes the fresh thyme used in cooking.
• Complete with Rustic Bread: Serve a crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the delicious maple and chicken drippings, adding a satisfying textural contrast to the tender roasted ingredients.

Flavor Twists to Make This Maple Chicken Dish Your Own

• Harvest Herb Roast: Replace thyme with rosemary and sage, adding chopped fresh herbs directly into the maple syrup mixture for a robust, earthy flavor profile.
• Citrus Maple Fusion: Incorporate orange zest and a splash of fresh orange juice into the maple syrup marinade, creating a bright and tangy coating for the chicken and vegetables.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Mix in ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the olive oil blend, then sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the dish after roasting for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Inspired Rendition: Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash, add kalamata olives, and season with dried oregano and cracked black pepper for a Mediterranean-inspired meal with rich, complex flavors.

Maple Roasted Chicken With Sweet Potatoes And Apples Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maple roasted chicken combines classic Canadian flavors in a heartwarming autumn dish. Succulent chicken mingles with caramelized sweet potatoes and apples, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 0.5 inch (1.27 centimeters) chunks
• 1 apple, diced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (3 grams) fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a robust 400°F (200°C), preparing a large cast iron skillet with medium-high heat on the stovetop.
2. Drizzle olive oil into the scorching skillet, nestling chicken thighs skin-side down to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
3. While chicken sizzles, transform sweet potatoes, onions, and apples into uniform, bite-sized cubes.
4. Craft a luxurious marinade by whisking olive oil, salt, pepper, and maple syrup in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Gently coat the chopped vegetables in the aromatic mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly glazed.
6. Carefully flip chicken thighs to reveal their crisp skin, then artfully distribute the seasoned vegetables around the meat in the skillet.
7. Scatter fresh thyme leaves across the dish, infusing it with herbaceous fragrance.
8. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to roast and meld together for approximately one hour.
9. Verify chicken’s doneness by confirming an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and ensuring vegetables reach a tender, easily pierced consistency.
10. Let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

• Sear chicken thighs first to lock in juices and create a crispy golden skin that adds incredible flavor and texture.
• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking, which helps develop rich caramelization.
• Maple syrup acts as both a sweetener and glaze, creating a beautiful golden color and adding depth to the entire dish.
• Roasting vegetables around the chicken allows them to absorb delicious pan drippings, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a complete one-pan meal.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat every time.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg