Smoky Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Mash

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-27 · Updated 2026-07-27

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a smoky maple sauce paired with creamy sweet potato mash, a soulful dish with sweet and smoky notes. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 6, 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

• 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir together 1/4 cup pure maple syrup and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs.
4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and glaze is caramelized.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, place 2 lbs peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-18 minutes until tender.
6. Step 6: Drain sweet potatoes and mash with 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves until creamy and smooth.
7. Step 7: Serve the maple-glazed chicken thighs alongside a generous scoop of sweet potato mash, spooning any extra glaze from the pan over the top.