Maple Bourbon Bacon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bake

 🍗🍯 Maple Bourbon Bacon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bake 🥓🍠



This is the kind of cozy American dinner that tastes like fall in one pan. Juicy chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, smoky bacon, and a sticky maple-bourbon glaze come together under a layer of bubbling cheddar for the perfect sweet-and-savory combination.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper

For the Maple Bourbon Glaze

  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

For the Topping

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until browned around the edges.
  4. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes until beautifully browned. Remove and set aside.
  7. Add maple syrup, bourbon, BBQ sauce, Dijon, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
  8. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the glaze reduces and becomes glossy.
  9. Stir in the butter, then return the chicken to the skillet and coat it thoroughly in the glaze.
  10. Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a baking dish.
  11. Spoon the sticky maple-bourbon chicken and remaining glaze over the potatoes.
  12. Sprinkle with cheddar and crispy bacon.
  13. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  14. Finish with green onions and parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6


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