There’s something irresistible about the sweet and savory dance of flavors in this Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and lands on your plate with both ease and elegance—perfect for busy nights or weekend dinners you want to savor without fuss.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely hooked on this recipe because it’s one pan and totally forgiving. You get that perfect balance between the rich maple glaze, tender chicken thighs, and roasted veggies with minimal effort. It’s a dinner you can smile about making, and everyone at the table will notice that awesome flavor combo.
- One-Pan Convenience: You toss everything on a sheet pan and forget about it until dinner’s ready—less clean-up and more time for yourself.
- Flavor That Pops: The maple syrup mixed with soy sauce and ginger creates a glaze that’s both sweet and savory, making the chicken and veggies sing.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts add cozy, seasonal vibes that's satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or tweak spice levels to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe plays a part in creating a flavor-packed, balanced meal. The veggies roast beautifully alongside the chicken, soaking up the glaze without getting soggy. Here’s why each one earns its spot on the list.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender under the glaze, plus they cook evenly on the sheet pan without drying out.
- Butternut squash: Its natural sweetness complements the maple syrup, and roasting brings out an addictively nutty flavor.
- Brussels sprouts: Roasted until caramelized, they add a perfect bite and slight bitterness that balances the dish.
- Red onion: Adds subtle sharpness and sweetness when roasted, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully and crisp up just right on the sheet pan.
- Lower-sodium soy sauce (or tamari): Gives umami depth to the glaze without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Pure maple syrup: The star of the glaze—adds natural, rich sweetness with that signature maple flavor.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash adds a toasty, aromatic note that elevates the whole dish.
- Grated ginger: Fresh ginger brings a lively zing and warmth that brightens the glaze beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes: A little kick to balance the sweetness and keep things interesting.
- Fresh thyme: Adds herbal freshness that pairs perfectly with the glaze and veggies.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is how flexible it is. I often swap out veggies depending on the season and how I’m feeling, so feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Variation: I sometimes add diced sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash—they roast up just as nicely and keep that cozy sweetness.
- Dietary tweak: For gluten-free, tamari is a perfect substitute for soy sauce, and you get that same great umami punch.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, adding a pinch more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha after roasting takes it to the next level.
- Herb swap: Thyme is lovely, but rosemary or sage also work beautifully and bring a different kind of aromatic charm.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 425°F—that's crucial for getting that good roast going. Toss the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion in olive oil on your sheet pan. Spread them out so they’re not overcrowded (give them some breathing room!). Lay the chicken thighs right on top and sprinkle everything generously with salt and pepper. Trust me, seasoning every layer is key to a flavorful meal.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme. Brush this glaze all over each chicken thigh, making sure they’re nicely coated. Don’t pour it over the veggies just yet—that’s a secret to keeping them perfectly roasted and not soggy. Save the rest of the glaze for later.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden and Glazed
Pop the sheet pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear and the veggies are tender and caramelized. If you like your veggies crispier, turn on the broiler for just a few minutes at the end—but watch closely to avoid burning. Once out of the oven, brush the reserved glaze over everything for an irresistible glossy finish.
Top Tip
From personal experience, the glaze really sets this dish apart, so don’t skimp on brushing it thoroughly over the chicken. I used to just drizzle a bit here and there, but now I brush a thick, even layer and that makes the chicken beautifully sticky and flavorful.
- Use fresh ginger: It makes all the difference over powdered—you get that bright zing that wakes up the glaze.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving veggies space ensures they roast rather than steam, which is key for great texture.
- Reserve the glaze: Add it at the end to avoid soggy veggies and get that beautiful shine on the chicken.
- Broil with caution: It’s tempting to crisp up your veggies, but keeping a close eye prevents bitterness from overcooking.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of simple garnishes that add freshness and texture—try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh parsley to brighten it up. A little squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top also cuts through the sweetness and really lifts the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dinner is pretty complete on its own, but if you want something extra, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice work beautifully. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette counters the richness in the chicken glaze perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to plate the chicken atop a bed of quinoa or farro and scatter the roasted veggies around. A drizzle of extra glaze on the plate makes it look restaurant-worthy. You can even serve it family-style right from the pan—it feels cozy and inviting, like you’re sharing a meal with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last 3 to 4 days. The chicken stays juicy, and the veggies keep their roasted flavor without getting mushy when reheated properly.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you plan to eat it within a month. I let the meal cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps keep the chicken skin a little crispy and the veggies nicely warmed. Microwaving is faster but can make the veggies softer, so I reserve that for quick lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs. To avoid this, consider pounding breasts to an even thickness and checking them early to prevent overcooking.
Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Whisk it again before brushing it on the chicken to recombine any separated ingredients.
Feel free to swap in other sturdy vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting alongside the chicken.
The best way is to check that the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe feels like a special treat that’s surprisingly simple to pull off. It’s one of those recipes that quickly became a go-to in my kitchen because it combines comforting flavors with minimal stress. I love how adaptable it is, and I truly think once you try it, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it turns a regular dinner into something memorable. Try it this week — your future self (and hungry family) will thank you!
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Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Sheet Pan Maple Glazed Chicken with Vegetables is a delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory maple sauce, roasted alongside butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and red onion. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful dinner that's ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
- ½ large red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare Vegetables: Add the cubed butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion to a large sheet pan. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well coated.
- Add Chicken and Season: Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the sheet pan. Season everything generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make Maple Glaze Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the lower-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), pure maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme until combined.
- Brush Sauce on Chicken: Brush the maple glaze sauce generously over each chicken thigh, reserving some sauce for later use.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear and the vegetables are tender. For crisper vegetables, turn on the broiler for a few minutes at the end of baking.
- Finish and Serve: Brush the reserved sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables, then serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Be sure to watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the vegetables if you choose to crisp them.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can work—use ⅓ teaspoon dried thyme if substituting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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