Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe combines crispy, golden skin with a sweet and savory glaze that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 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 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 deepen the flavor.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve the thighs with your favorite sides, drizzling any remaining glaze from the skillet on top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
• Use skinless chicken thighs if preferred, but cooking time may be slightly shorter and skin won’t be crispy.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the skin crispy, or microwave on low power if short on time. The glaze may thicken when chilled; warm slightly to loosen it before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs or chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Bone-in thighs provide more flavor and stay juicy during baking.

Is pure maple syrup necessary for the glaze?

Pure maple syrup gives the best natural sweetness and depth, but you can substitute with honey or agave syrup if needed. Avoid flavored syrups, as they may alter the taste.

Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 714 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs seared to a crispy golden skin and then baked with a sweet and savory maple syrup glaze. The combination of maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme creates a rich and flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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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

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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 with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and achieve crispy skin.
3. Sear Chicken: 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 becomes golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook another 3-4 minutes to brown the other side.
4. Make the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
5. Add Glaze and Bake: Pour the maple glaze over the seared chicken thighs directly 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).
6. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, use a spoon to baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to intensify the flavor and moisture.
7. 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 remaining glaze alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or rice.

Notes

• Using bone-in, skin-on thighs ensures juiciness and crispy skin.
• Patting chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve crispiness.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken and glaze to a baking dish before baking.
• Adjust thyme quantity based on fresh or dried herb potency.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Leftover glaze can be boiled briefly to thicken and used as a sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: maple glazed chicken, baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, maple syrup chicken, easy chicken dinner, oven baked chicken, sweet and savory chicken