Maple Bourbon Chicken Hash

Maple Bourbon Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash brings rich sweetness and hearty comfort straight to the dinner table. Tender chicken thighs get lacquered in a sticky maple bourbon sauce while sweet potato hash sizzles with bell peppers and herbs. It is a crowd-pleaser that feels special without a pile of pots and pans.

The first time I made this was for a fall dinner party and everyone went home asking for the recipe. It is now a staple for cozy Sunday suppers especially when we want something impressive with little fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts look for organic or air-chilled for best results
• Olive oil: Brings out the flavors and helps the hash and chicken brown evenly choose extra virgin for the best taste
• Pure maple syrup: Natural maple lends depth and sweetness opt for grade A dark or amber varieties
• Bourbon: Adds a warm caramel note use a good quality bourbon you would drink
• Dijon mustard: Brings tang and balances the glaze choose a creamy Dijon for smooth mixing
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce raw unfiltered vinegar is extra punchy
• Garlic: For aroma and umami mince fresh cloves for the best flavor
• Smoked paprika: Gives smoky undertones use Spanish smoked or hot paprika for a kick
• Salt and black pepper: Season everything to make the flavors pop use fine sea salt for even seasoning
• Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and earthy pick firm orange-fleshed potatoes free from bruises
• Red and green bell pepper: Adds color and crunch glossy skin signals freshness
• Red onion: Sweet and vibrant look for a solid heavy bulb
• Fresh thyme: Peppery and woodsy fresh sprigs offer the most flavor but dried works as well
• Chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and herby finish flat-leaf parsley preferred

Instructions

Make the marinade:

In a small bowl whisk together maple syrup bourbon Dijon mustard apple cider vinegar garlic smoked paprika salt and pepper until completely blended with no streaks left

Marinate the chicken:

Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or dish pour half the marinade over turning the chicken pieces until every part is coated cover and refrigerate for at least twenty minutes to let the flavors sink in

Sauté the sweet potatoes:

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat add diced sweet potatoes and cook for five minutes stirring occasionally so they start to brown evenly but do not burn

Cook the peppers and onions:

Add diced red and green bell peppers and diced red onion along with thyme salt and pepper continue to cook stirring often for about ten to twelve minutes until the potatoes are golden and fork tender remove the hash to a warm plate

Sear the chicken:

Wipe out the skillet pour in fresh olive oil and bring back to medium-high heat remove chicken from marinade shaking off excess and discard any used marinade lay each thigh in the pan and sear three to four minutes per side until deeply golden

Glaze and finish:

Reduce heat to medium pour in the reserved clean marinade over the chicken let simmer turning occasionally for eight to ten minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is thick and glossy if sauce reduces too fast splash in a little water

Serve and garnish:

Spoon sweet potato hash onto plates top with maple bourbon chicken and drizzle any remaining sauce over scatter chopped parsley for freshness and color

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There is something magical about the smoky undertone from smoked paprika mingling with maple syrup and bourbon. My kids love picking out the crispy corners of sweet potatoes while I savor every bite of glazed chicken and extra sprigs of fresh thyme.

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken and hash store perfectly in airtight containers refrigerated for up to three days. To reheat use a skillet for best texture adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. For longer storage freeze portions for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If chicken thighs are unavailable substitute boneless chicken breasts but keep an eye on doneness as they cook faster. For vegetarian meals use thick slices of pressed tofu marinated and browned as you would the chicken. You can swap bourbon for apple juice or nonalcoholic bourbon extract if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or sautéed greens. Try serving alongside cornbread or over steamed rice for a more filling supper. For a cozy brunch serve with a fried egg on top and extra parsley.

Cultural Context

Maple bourbon chicken draws on classic American Southern flavors where maple syrup and bourbon both shine as regional ingredients. Sweet potato hash is a staple in many soul food and brunch traditions prized for its heartiness and vibrant color.

Seasonal Adaptations

In the fall add diced apples or pears to the hash for extra sweetness. In spring swap sweet potato for butternut squash or parsnip. Summer versions are brightened with fresh corn or cherry tomatoes.

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Serve immediately and enjoy a hearty meal full of autumnal flavors. This dish brings warmth to the table on any weekend or gathering.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well and offer a lighter option. Adjust cooking time to avoid dryness.

→ What can I substitute for bourbon?

You can use apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute for similar sweetness and depth in the glaze.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Verify labels when using Dijon mustard or other packaged items.

→ Can I make the hash ahead of time?

The sweet potato hash can be made in advance and reheated gently before serving with the chicken.

→ How spicy is the marinade?

The marinade is mildly smoky from paprika. For heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes as desired.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap chicken for firm tofu and follow the same method for marinating and glazing the protein.