Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Maple glazed chicken thighs offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, creating a deliciously sticky and crispy dish. This easy recipe combines maple syrup with soy sauce and garlic for a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

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 and season both sides with salt and pepper. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil 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 for another 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 oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze to enhance flavor.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary for a different herbaceous note.
• Use skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a leaner option, but searing time may be shorter.
• Add a splash of chili flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.

Storage

Store leftover maple glazed chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain the glaze’s texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless thighs work well and will cook faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the glaze gluten-free.

Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs with a crispy skin, coated in a sweet and savory maple glaze. Perfectly seared and oven-baked to caramelized perfection, this dish offers an easy yet impressive meal ideal for any occasion.

• Author: lina
• 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 prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip the thighs and cook an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
3. Make the Maple Glaze: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme in a small bowl until well combined.
4. Bake the Chicken: Pour the maple glaze evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to enhance flavor and moisture.
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 chicken thighs drizzled with the remaining glaze, alongside your choice of roasted vegetables or rice.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry is key to achieving crispy skin.
• Use an oven-safe skillet for seamless transfer from stovetop to oven.
• Feel free to substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme as preferred.
• Basting halfway through baking keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures food safety and juiciness.

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