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