Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato and Maple Glaze
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts paired with caramelized roasted sweet potatoes drizzled in a warm maple glaze for a comforting meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium (about 1 lb) sweet potatoes, olive oil, maple syrup 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium (about 1 lb) sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel and cut 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden and tender.
- Step 2: While the sweet potatoes roast, pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each). Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes without moving, until golden brown. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, add 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant and syrup thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the maple glaze over each breast. Cook for 1 additional minute to coat and warm through.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken breasts with the roasted sweet potatoes on the side, drizzled with any remaining glaze from the pan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato and Maple Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Roasted Sweet Potato and Maple Glaze?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potato and Maple Glaze?
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 Roasted Sweet Potato and Maple Glaze 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 Roasted Sweet Potato and Maple Glaze?
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.