If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, look no further than this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary. It combines tender, crispy-skinned chicken thighs with the natural sweetness of apples and sweet potatoes, brought all together by a fragrant, tangy apple cider glaze. This recipe is perfect for those cozy dinners when you want a meal that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy without any fuss. The harmony of flavors and textures makes every bite pure joy, promising to become one of your cherished favorites in no time.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients that each add a unique touch of flavor and texture. Every component plays a role, from the sweetness of the apples and sweet potatoes to the aromatic punch of fresh rosemary and the rich caramel notes from the apple cider glaze.

1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed: Provides a creamy, earthy base and natural sweetness to contrast the savory chicken.

2 apples, sliced: Adds juicy, crisp bursts of flavor that complement the glaze perfectly.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Helps to achieve golden, crispy chicken skin and roast the vegetables evenly.

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary: Infuses the dish with its piney, fragrant aroma that pairs beautifully with both chicken and sweet potatoes.
Kosher salt, to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors magnificently.

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds mild heat and depth to every bite.
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, trimmed: Juicy and flavorful, these thighs are perfect for cooking low and slow to keep moist yet crispy.
2/3 cup apple cider: The star of the glaze, providing a fruity, tangy sweetness that ties everything together.

2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens and thickens the glaze with a luscious, sticky finish.
1 tablespoon grainy mustard: Brings a subtle tang and texture to brighten the glaze’s flavor.
1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce with silky smoothness and a lovely shine.

3 rosemary sprigs (for skillet): Added for aromatic garnish and to infuse each portion with that signature herbal note.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Veggies

Start by heating your oven to 425°F for a perfectly hot roasting environment that crisps the chicken skin and caramelizes the sweet potatoes beautifully. Meanwhile, toss cubed sweet potatoes and apple slices with freshly chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of olive oil. This pre-roasting mix is all about layering flavors early on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Next, heat the remaining olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and let them sear undisturbed for about two minutes until the skin develops a gorgeous, crispy golden-brown crust. Removing the chicken afterward preserves that crispiness and prepares the pan to meld the glaze flavors.

Step 3: Whip up the Apple Cider Glaze

Using the same skillet, pour in the apple cider, honey, and grainy mustard. Bring this mixture up to a rapid simmer while stirring continuously. Watch it reduce down slightly—that’s where the magic happens! Then whisk in the butter to enrich the glaze and give it that velvety, glossy texture you can’t resist.

Step 4: Bake Everything Together

Return the chicken thighs skin side up to the skillet, nestling them among the sweet potato and apple mixture alongside fresh rosemary sprigs. Switch off the stovetop heat and pop the entire skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. If the potatoes need a bit more time, simply remove the chicken and let them finish roasting to tender perfection.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a few more freshly chopped rosemary leaves over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of the pan sauce over everything adds that beautiful glossy finish and an extra hit of flavor that brings all the elements together appealingly.

Side Dishes

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary stands well on its own, but if you’re aiming for a fuller feast, fresh steamed green beans or a crisp, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balance the richness gracefully. Creamy mashed cauliflower or wild rice are other wonderful companions, soaking up the luscious glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, consider plating the dish family-style on a rustic wooden board or cast iron skillet right from the oven, inviting everyone to dig in heartily. You can also serve individual portions atop a bed of buttery mashed sweet potatoes for a colorful, elegant touch. Adding a few thin apple slices tucked around the edges provides a visual nod to the star ingredients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, simply transfer any leftover Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, the dish freezes beautifully. Pack portions into freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor quality.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, until warmed through. This technique helps preserve the crispy chicken skin and prevents the sweet potatoes from drying out. Alternatively, reheating in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes works well too, just keep an eye so nothing dries.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just note that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so adjust timing accordingly and consider brining them briefly to keep the meat juicy and tender.

Is it okay to substitute fresh rosemary with dried?

You can, but fresh rosemary gives a brighter, more fragrant flavor. If using dried, use about one-third the amount and add it earlier during the roasting so it has time to release its essence.

What type of apple is best for this recipe?

Choose apples that hold their shape well when cooked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness without turning mushy.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your mustard is gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear. The skin should be crisp and golden, and the meat tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary is truly a heartwarming dish that feels like a special celebration every time you make it. The delightful combination of savory, sweet, and herbal notes guarantees smiles around the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with the comforting flavors that only this recipe brings together so perfectly. Happy cooking!

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender, juicy chicken thighs with sweet and savory roasted sweet potatoes and apples, all enhanced by a tangy apple cider glaze and aromatic fresh rosemary. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both hearty and elegant.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the chicken and sweet potatoes evenly.
Prepare the vegetables and apples: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed sweet potato, sliced apples, and chopped fresh rosemary. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Sear the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.

Make the glaze: In the same skillet, add the apple cider, honey, and grainy mustard. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer and cook until it has reduced slightly, concentrating the flavors. Whisk in the butter until it’s melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy.
Bake the chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin side up to keep the skin crispy. Scatter the sweet potato and apple mixture along with the rosemary sprigs around the chicken. Turn off the stovetop heat and transfer the skillet into the preheated oven.
Finish in the oven: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the potatoes need more time to soften, remove the chicken from the skillet and continue baking the potatoes until tender.

Serve: Plate the chicken thighs alongside the glazed sweet potatoes and apples. Spoon some of the pan drippings over the top for extra flavor and enjoy a perfectly balanced sweet and savory dish.

Notes

The dish can be made with boneless chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Using bone-in, skin-on thighs adds richness and helps retain moisture during cooking.

Feel free to swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
To make the meal dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or omit it.
For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when making the glaze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Roasting and Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sweet potatoes and apples

Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 350 mg

Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g

Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: apple cider glazed chicken, sweet potatoes, rosemary chicken, one pan meal, roasted chicken thighs, apple and sweet potato recipe