Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection paired with sweet potatoes glazed in a rich maple syrup reduction for balanced sweetness. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6 minutes on one side without moving, until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken breasts and cook an additional 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and tent with foil.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes until edges begin to caramelize.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp pure maple syrup and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and glazed with syrup.
  6. Step 6: Serve the chicken breasts alongside the maple-glazed sweet potatoes, spooning extra glaze from the pan over the chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes?

American chicken 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.

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