Name: Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake 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 Tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 Tbsp lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari (if gluten-free); 1/3 cup pure maple syrup; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 Tbsp grated ginger; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp fresh thyme

There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor and color, isn’t there? This Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe is just that—sticky, sweet, and savory chicken nestled on a bed of tender roasted veggies. Trust me, it’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

The image shows a metal baking tray filled with roasted chicken thighs, chopped orange vegetables like butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, and red onion wedges. The chicken pieces have a golden brown color with herbs and spices on top. The orange vegetable cubes and green Brussels sprouts are scattered evenly around the chicken, with some red onion slices layered in between. A large wooden spoon is partly lifting one chicken thigh along with some vegetables. The tray sits on a soft beige cloth on a white marbled surface. Nearby is a glass bottle of yellow oil. The 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 Tray Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I stumbled upon this Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe when I wanted something simple but impressive for a weeknight dinner. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—sweet, savory, and with a little kick from the ginger and pepper flakes. Plus, cleanup is a breeze when everything cooks together!

All-In-One Meal: Chicken and veggies roast simultaneously on one tray, making dinner prep and cleanup super easy.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The maple syrup adds sweetness while soy sauce and ginger bring depth and warmth to the dish.
Adaptable Ingredients: You can swap veggies or adjust spice levels easily to suit what you have or what you like.
Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste just as good and reheat beautifully for next-day lunches or dinners.

The image shows a baked dish on a white marbled surface with five pieces of golden-brown chicken thighs scattered across the pan. Alongside the chicken are chunks of bright orange butternut squash evenly spread, halved Brussels sprouts in shades of green, and curved slices of red onion with a slightly charred look. Some sprigs of fresh thyme add small, delicate green leaves across the dish. The sauce surrounding the ingredients has a warm, caramelized color, making the food look juicy and tasty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This tray bake shines because every ingredient plays off the others brilliantly. The sweetness of the maple syrup caramelizes beautifully on the chicken and veggies, while the soy sauce adds umami depth. Fresh ginger and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes introduce warmth and a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.

Flat lay of six raw boneless skinless chicken thighs neatly arranged, a small pile of bright orange butternut squash cubes, fresh green Brussels sprouts halved lengthwise, thin slices of vibrant deep red onion, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, another white ceramic bowl holding dark amber maple syrup, a third bowl with glossy dark soy sauce, a bowl containing fresh grated pale yellow ginger, a tiny white bowl with red pepper flakes, fresh thyme sprigs with small green leaves scattered naturally, and a small bowl of coarse salt and cracked black pepper placed symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed 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: These stay juicy and tender, plus they brown up wonderfully under the glaze.
Butternut squash: Adds natural sweetness and a soft, comforting texture that contrasts nicely with the chicken.
Brussels sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the sweet glaze perfectly; halving them helps them roast evenly.
Red onion: Adds a mild sharpness and sweetness when roasted, enhancing the veggie mix.
Olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
Lower-sodium soy sauce: Keeps saltiness in check, allowing the maple syrup to shine without overwhelming your palate.
Pure maple syrup: The star of the glaze, offering natural sweetness and a luscious sheen.
Sesame oil: Just a splash for an earthy, nutty aroma that lifts the whole dish.
Grated ginger: Adds freshness and a bit of zing that cuts through the sweetness.
Red pepper flakes: For that subtle heat that brings everything together without being too spicy.
Fresh thyme: Herbs always brighten baked dishes, and thyme’s woodsy notes complement chicken so well.

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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 often tweak this Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe depending on what veggies I have on hand or how bold I want the flavors. You should definitely feel free to personalize it—the best part about tray bakes is their flexibility!

Variation: Try swapping butternut squash for sweet potatoes or carrots for a different sweet note—I like this in the fall when those veggies are at their peak.
Spice Level: If you love heat, toss in some chili powder or swap red pepper flakes for cayenne; if not, just skip the spice altogether.
Herb Swap: Rosemary or sage work beautifully instead of thyme if you want a more rustic feel.
Dietary Adjustments: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free—I've done this often with no flavor compromise.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—high heat is key for that beautiful caramelization. Toss the butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion in olive oil right on a large sheet pan. Spread them out evenly, then nestle the boneless, skinless chicken thighs on top. Season everything generously with salt and pepper, so the flavors start building right away.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Maple Glaze

Combine your soy sauce, pure maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme in a small bowl. Whisk until everything’s blended into a glossy glaze. Brush this generously all over each chicken thigh—don’t be shy! Keep a little glaze aside to add more flavor after baking.

Step 3: Roast Until Perfection

Slide the sheet pan into your hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the chicken juices to run clear and the vegetables tender and slightly caramelized. If you like your veggies crispier, pop the tray under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end—just watch closely so nothing burns.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

Once out of the oven, brush the reserved maple glaze over the chicken and veggies. That finishing touch amps the flavor and makes your tray bake shine. Serve it hot straight from the pan—easy and delicious.

Top Tip

After making this Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks to get it just right every time. Here are my favorites to help you nail it on your first go:

Use Thin Versus Thick Chicken Thighs: I prefer slightly thicker thighs so the chicken stays juicy and doesn't dry out during roasting.
Don’t Skip Resting the Chicken: Letting it rest for a few minutes after baking keeps all the juices locked in.
Brush On Extra Glaze Post-Baking: It adds a fresh hit of flavor and shine that really elevates the dish.
Cut Veggies Evenly: Uniform veggie size means they cook through at the same pace without anything getting mushy or burnt.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

maple glazed chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley—they add a lovely pop of green and fresh herb flavor. Sometimes I add toasted sesame seeds too for a little crunch and extra visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This tray bake is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, simple sides like steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad are perfect. I often pair it with garlic bread when feeding a crowd—a total comfort food win!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, I’ve spread the chicken and veggies on a large wooden board and garnished with edible flowers and extra herbs. It makes serving family-style feel special and invites guests to help themselves. You can also drizzle a little extra maple syrup or soy sauce reduction on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy, and the veggies soak up even more of the glaze overnight, which makes for even tastier next-day meals.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this tray bake successfully. Just let everything cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It reheats nicely from frozen, but I recommend thawing overnight in the fridge to keep the chicken tender.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken and veggies in a baking dish covered with foil at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the texture moist. Alternatively, a quick skillet reheat over medium heat with a splash of water can revive the dish without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe?

You can swap chicken thighs for breasts, but breasts tend to dry out more easily. If you do, keep a close eye on cooking time and consider marinating the breasts a little longer before roasting to maintain juiciness.

What vegetables work best if I want to switch things up?

Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes work wonderfully. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure they roast evenly. You can also add bell peppers or zucchini for more color and variety.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle, pleasant warmth. If you prefer no heat, simply leave them out or reduce the amount. Conversely, add more if you like a noticeable kick!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the veggies and chicken along with the glaze the day before and keep everything covered in the fridge. When ready, just assemble on the sheet pan and bake as usual.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Glazed Chicken Tray Bake Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it feels like a little hug on a plate—warm, sweet, and effortlessly delicious. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something nourishing but don’t want to fuss. I’m confident you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, especially when you want all the cozy flavors with minimal stress. Give it a try, and let me know how you make it your own!