Maple Bacon Chicken and Sweet Potato Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you prefer an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly season the chicken thighs with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper before adding the other ingredients. However, the bacon already provides a significant amount of salt, so be cautious not to over-season the dish during the assembly phase.

To save time on a busy morning, you can peel and chop the sweet potatoes the night before and store them in a container of cold water in the refrigerator.

Just be sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly before adding them to the baking dish to ensure they roast properly rather than boiling in excess water.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Bacon Bake: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the maple butter before drizzling. This adds a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Herbed Sweet Potato Bake: Sprinkle two teaspoons of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme over the chicken and sweet potatoes before adding the bacon. The earthy herbs complement the maple flavor beautifully.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed container.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option, though the bacon will lose its crispness.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For the best quality, try to consume the leftovers within this window to ensure the bacon remains as palatable as possible, although the texture will soften slightly compared to when it is freshly baked.

You can assemble the entire dish in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking.

Remove the dish from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before putting it into the oven to ensure it does not go into the heat completely cold, which helps with even cooking.

Serving ideas

This dish is best served immediately while the bacon is still crisp and the maple butter sauce is warm. It makes an excellent standalone meal, but you can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the roasted chicken and sweet potatoes.

When plating, try to include a good portion of the pan juices over the chicken and potatoes. The combination of maple butter and rendered bacon fat creates a flavorful glaze that ties the entire dish together.

Ensure each plate gets a mix of the crispy bacon pieces and the tender roasted sweet potatoes for the best experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Maple Bacon Chicken and Sweet Potato Bake

Prep 15 minCook 45 minRest 5 minTotal 1 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 cups sweet potato cubes
• 1/4 cup maple butter
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken thighs in a large rectangular ceramic baking dish. Distribute the sweet potato cubes evenly around and between the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
2. Pour the maple butter evenly over the chicken and sweet potatoes using a small pitcher. Scatter the chopped raw bacon across the entire top of the dish. The bacon will render its fat over the chicken as it bakes, adding flavor and crispness.
3. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The chicken is finished when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute properly.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

580 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.