Name: Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 cups butternut squash, cubed; 2 cups brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise; 1/2 large red onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

There’s something so cozy and satisfying about a one-pan meal that fills the kitchen with warm, sweet, and savory aromas. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe with you—because it’s easy, comforting, and bursting with fall flavors that just make weeknight dinners feel special.

A baking tray filled with five roasted golden-brown chicken thighs, scattered with bright orange cubes of cooked butternut squash and vibrant green Brussels sprouts, some halved showing tender insides. Mixed among the vegetables are slices of soft purple-red onions with slightly charred edges. A wooden spoon holds one chicken thigh, Brussels sprout halves, and butternut squash cubes, positioned near the center right of the tray. Fresh green thyme sprigs are sprinkled over the dish. The tray rests on a white marbled surface with a textured beige cloth nearby and a small glass container with yellow oil in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

This Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe quickly became one of my favorite weeknight go-tos because it’s effortless but never boring. The maple glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, complementing the tender chicken and roasted veggies beautifully. I always feel like I’m treating myself without the fuss.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet maple syrup pairs with savory soy and a hint of spice, creating a rich glaze that’s irresistible.
Seasonal Veggies: Butternut squash and Brussels sprouts bring earthiness and texture that roast up tender and caramelized.
Flexible & Easy: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and you can customize vegetables or protein to your liking.

The image shows a pan filled with five golden-brown cooked chicken thighs spread evenly on the surface. Around the chicken, there are roasted Brussels sprouts with a charred outer texture, bright orange cubes of roasted butternut squash, and sliced purple-red onion wedges placed in between the meat and vegetables. Fresh green thyme sprigs are scattered on top, adding a touch of color and freshness. The food sits on a white marbled textured surface, with the juices and small bits of seasoning visible around the layers, giving a warm and hearty look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe relies on thoughtful ingredient choices that bring harmony to the dish. Each component is easy to find and plays a role—some for flavor depth, others for texture or balance. Here’s why I love them:

Flat lay of six raw boneless skinless chicken thighs, a small white bowl of cubed fresh butternut squash, a small white bowl of halved fresh brussels sprouts, a small white bowl of thinly sliced red onion, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of light amber sesame oil, a small white bowl of finely grated fresh ginger, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, coarse salt crystals, and whole black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender during roasting, and the skinless version lets the maple glaze shine without extra fat.
Butternut squash: Sweet and creamy when roasted, offering a perfect contrast to the savory chicken and adding a pop of color.
Brussels sprouts: Halved and roasted, they caramelize beautifully and soak up the maple-soy glaze in the best way.
Red onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of bite, mellowing out as it roasts alongside the veggies and chicken.
Olive oil: Helps veggies crisp and roast evenly without overpowering the glaze.
Lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Brings umami and saltiness that balances the sweet maple syrup.
Pure maple syrup: The star of the glaze, adding natural sweetness and that signature depth you won’t get from any other sweetener.
Sesame oil: Just a touch adds a nutty aroma that complements the glaze perfectly.
Fresh ginger: Grated for a zing of warmth and freshness, cutting through the sweetness.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick—just enough to keep things interesting without overwhelming.
Fresh thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve often played around with this Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to tweak it for your taste buds!

Different Veggies: I sometimes swap in sweet potatoes or carrots instead of butternut squash, and they roast just as nicely.
Spice it Up: If you like heat, I add a bit more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha in the glaze for a lively twist.
Protein Swap: Turkey thighs or even salmon fillets work well here—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Make it Gluten-Free: Switching soy sauce to tamari keeps the glaze gluten-free without losing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sheet Pan and Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—it’s the perfect heat for roasting everything to tender, caramelized goodness. Toss the cubed butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion with olive oil right on the sheet pan. Mix everything together well so the veggies get evenly coated. This little step helps them crisp up nicely without sticking.

Step 2: Add and Season Your Chicken

Next, nestle your chicken thighs right on top of the veggies. Season everything generously with salt and pepper. The chicken thighs act like a cozy blanket roasting over the vegetables, keeping them moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Whisk and Brush the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme. Brush the sauce liberally over each chicken thigh—you’ll want those flavors to soak deep. Save some glaze for after baking to brush on just before serving.

Step 4: Roast Until Perfect

Bake the sheet pan for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the chicken juices running clear and the veggies turning tender and slightly caramelized. If you love crispy veggies—as I do—flip on the broiler for the last couple minutes, but watch carefully so nothing burns!

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once out of the oven, give the chicken and veggies another generous brush of the reserved maple glaze. Then dig in while it’s still warm and enjoy that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a little zing.

Top Tip

I’ve learned from making this recipe a handful of times that a few small adjustments make a huge difference in flavor and texture. Here are my top tips to help you nail it every time.

Use Room Temp Chicken: Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking so it roasts evenly and stays juicy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spacing matters. Crowded pans steam the veggies rather than roast them, so keep a little breathing room.
Brush Twice: Brushing with glaze both before and after roasting adds layers of flavor and makes the chicken extra glossy.
Monitor Broiler: When broiling, stay close and check in every 30 seconds to avoid burnt edges.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Maple Glazed Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley right before serving—that fresh herbal note brightens the dish. A little toasted sesame seeds on top also add a nice nutty crunch that compliments the glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

Since this is a full meal on its own, I usually keep sides light—maybe a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some warm crusty bread to soak up any extra glaze. But steamed rice or quinoa is also great if you want to scoop up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this meal family-style with the whole sheet pan as the centerpiece—everyone loves digging in together. Sometimes I arrange the chicken and veggies on a large wooden board with some fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a rustic, inviting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay great for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let the chicken cool somewhat before sealing to keep it juicy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of the chicken and veggies successfully—just wrap tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and the flavors hold up well, though veggies can be a touch softer after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes—this keeps the chicken from drying out and revives some crispness in the veggies. Microwaving works in a pinch, but I find the oven method much tastier.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts can be used if you prefer, but keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster and can dry out more easily compared to thighs. I recommend checking for doneness around 20-25 minutes and brushing on extra glaze to keep them moist.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. This swap won’t affect the flavor balance of the maple glaze.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the vegetables and whisk the glaze ahead of time. Keep the chicken separate until you’re ready to assemble and bake. This way, all you need to do is toss the veggies, add the chicken, glaze, and pop it in the oven. It’s a time-saver for busy evenings.

What can I substitute for butternut squash?

Sweet potatoes, carrots, or even acorn squash make wonderful substitutes. They roast similarly and complement the maple glaze just as well. Adjust the cubed size and keep an eye on cooking times since different veggies roast differently.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Glazed Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s approachable, flavorful, and makes feeding yourself or your family feel like a small celebration. I hope you enjoy the ease and delicious layers of flavor this one-pan meal brings to your table as much as I do.