If you’re craving a dish that feels like a comforting hug on a plate, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Skillet Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Hash Recipe. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts bathed in a rich, sticky maple glaze paired with sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes and onions—it’s a beautiful harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. This recipe is perfect for those weeknights when you want something both wholesome and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. From the first bite, the balance of textures and tastes will make this skillet meal your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish as delightful as it is inviting.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets: Thin cutlets cook evenly and absorb the glaze beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour: Creates a delicate crust on the chicken while keeping it tender inside.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps with perfect browning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sweet potatoes): Used for sautéing and caramelizing those sweet potatoes.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes: Brings a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the hash.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with wonderful aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides smoky warmth and a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for glaze): Helps sauté garlic and develop flavor in the glaze.
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for glaze): Adds a punch of savory brightness.
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Brings acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: The star ingredient that creates that irresistible glaze.
How to Make Skillet Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels, this step is crucial to achieving a beautiful crust when they hit the pan. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Next, dredge each piece in the white whole wheat flour, shaking off any excess so you don’t get a heavy coating. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken in the skillet carefully and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, letting the cutlets develop a golden-brown crust. Then transfer them to a plate and set aside; they’ll finish cooking later in the oven with the sweet potato hash.
Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Potato Hash
Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, finely diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the sweet potatoes to develop a golden, caramelized exterior but they don’t have to be fully cooked yet since they’ll finish baking in the oven. At this point, sprinkle in the paprika, then season with salt and pepper to taste. These spices add warmth and enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making the hash irresistibly flavorful.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Arrange the browned chicken breasts evenly around the skillet nestled among the sweet potato hash. This way, the flavors mingle beautifully while baking. Pop the whole skillet into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F and for the sweet potatoes to become tender, so they’re perfectly cooked together. This step ensures juicy chicken and a sweet potato hash that’s tender with a slight caramelization from the oven’s dry heat.
Step 4: Make the Maple Glaze Sauce
While the chicken and sweet potatoes are baking, it’s time to whip up the star of the show—the luscious maple glaze. In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat, then sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant but not browned (about 30 seconds). Add in 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the glaze thickens into a syrupy consistency that will cling gloriously to the chicken.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and the sweet potatoes tender, remove the skillet from the oven. Generously drizzle the warm maple glaze over the chicken cutlets, allowing the sauce to pool slightly around the sides for extra indulgence. This final touch adds sweetness, a hint of acidity, and a beautiful glossy finish that transforms this straightforward meal into something truly special.
How to Serve Skillet Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a lovely fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the rich maple glaze. Scattered toasted pecans or walnuts bring a satisfying crunch and subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the sweet potato hash. A sprinkle of chili flakes can also add a fun little kick if you like a touch of heat with your sweetness.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully substantial on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed leafy greens such as kale or spinach to add a balance of freshness and color. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber salad also complements the rich, sweet notes of the chicken and hash.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, you can plate individual portions by spooning the sweet potato hash onto the base of each plate and layering a maple-glazed chicken cutlet on top, finishing with a drizzle of extra glaze and a few garnishes. Alternatively, serve the skillet right on the table for a warm, rustic presentation that invites everyone to dig in family-style—it’s cozy and satisfying, perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will remain juicy while the flavors in the sweet potato hash continue to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep the maple glaze separate if you want to preserve its texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and sweet potato hash separately from the glaze. Store the cooked chicken and hash in freezer-friendly containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sweet potatoes gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Reheat the maple glaze in a small saucepan until warm and pour it over your meal just before serving to keep things tasting fresh and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast cutlets?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness, though you might need to adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they cook through properly without drying out.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for dredging the chicken. Just keep in mind that the texture of the crust might vary slightly.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the sweet potatoes and onions ahead of time to save prep work on cooking day. The glaze can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist?
Using cutlets helps them cook quickly without drying out, and finishing them in the oven with the sweet potatoes allows the chicken to steam gently. Also, don’t skip the step of patting them dry before dredging in flour for the best crust and moisture retention.
Can I use a different type of syrup in the glaze?
Maple syrup is key for that signature flavor, but if you’re looking to experiment, you might try honey or agave nectar. The taste will be different, but still delicious when balanced with the balsamic vinegar.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Hash Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings heartwarming flavors to your table with ease. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory with just the right textures, making it ideal for family dinners or impressing guests without stress. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find this recipe becomes one of your cherished weeknight staples!
Print
Skillet Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful skillet recipe featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets glazed with a sweet and tangy maple balsamic sauce, served alongside a flavorful sweet potato hash with caramelized onions and garlic. This balanced meal offers a perfect combination of savory and sweet, cooked primarily on the stovetop and finished in the oven for juicy, flavorful chicken and tender sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Maple Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry using paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in white whole wheat flour, ensuring an even coating for a light crust.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken cutlets and brown on each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced sweet potatoes, finely diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are golden and caramelized but sweet potatoes remain slightly firm. Stir in paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the browned chicken breasts around the sweet potato mixture in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken registers 165°F internally and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the chicken bakes, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced garlic until just fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add balsamic vinegar and maple syrup, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until it thickens and reduces, about 10 minutes.
- Serve: When the chicken and sweet potatoes are done, remove from oven and drizzle the maple glaze over the chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- White whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor but can be substituted with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity in the glaze depending on your desired sweetness.
- For a gluten-free version, replace flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best heat retention and even cooking.
- Can substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash or regular potatoes if desired.
