Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sweet maple glaze with roasted root vegetables for a comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, medium sweet potatoes, baby carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker, skin-side up.
- Step 3: Arrange 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes (1-inch cubes) and 1 cup baby carrots around the chicken.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Pour the maple glaze mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Step 6: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the vegetables and gently stir to combine.
- Step 7: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until chicken is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Carrots?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Carrots?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Carrots for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Carrots?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.