Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Maple glazed chicken thighs offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, creating a deliciously sticky and crispy skin. This easy recipe combines simple ingredients for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the maple glaze over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. Halfway through baking, baste the chicken thighs with the glaze to enhance the flavor.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or rice, and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
• Bone-in, skin-on thighs result in juicier meat and crispier skin; you can use boneless if preferred but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Fresh thyme adds a brighter flavor, but dried thyme works well and is convenient.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and glaze to a baking dish before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain crispy skin, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes rather than the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but cooking times will vary. Bone-in thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor.

Is pure maple syrup necessary for the glaze?

Pure maple syrup provides a distinct flavor and sweetness, but you can substitute with honey or agave syrup if needed. Adjust quantities to taste since sweetness levels differ.

Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, coated in a sweet and savory maple syrup glaze infused with garlic, mustard, and thyme. Baked to perfection, it’s an easy and flavorful dish perfect for any dinner occasion.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Maple Glaze

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken later.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes to brown the other side.
3. Make the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme until smooth and well combined for a balanced sweet and savory glaze.
4. Bake the Chicken: Pour the prepared maple glaze over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze to intensify the flavor and keep it moist.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve the maple glazed chicken thighs with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or rice, and spoon any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

• For extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken is patted completely dry before seasoning.
• Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron to go directly from stovetop to oven, avoiding extra dishes.
• Adjust the amount of maple syrup if you prefer a less sweet glaze.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted for dried thyme for a brighter herb flavor.
• Leftover glaze in the skillet can be reheated and drizzled over rice or vegetables to enhance the meal.

Keywords: Maple glazed chicken, baked chicken thighs, sweet and savory chicken, maple syrup chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner