Introduction

This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy skin and tender meat, coated with a rich maple glaze, make it a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides 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 for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme until well combined.
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 internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of sides and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, leave the skin uncovered in the oven during baking.
Substitute fresh herbs like rosemary or sage if thyme is unavailable.
Use skinless chicken thighs for a lower-fat option, but searing skin-on helps retain moisture.
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 the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the glaze’s flavor and crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out more easily. Adjust cooking times accordingly and consider marinating to keep them moist.

Is pure maple syrup necessary for the glaze?

Using pure maple syrup provides the best authentic flavor. However, you can use a high-quality pancake syrup or honey as alternatives, though the taste will vary slightly.

Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 134 reviews

This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe features succulent, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared to crispy perfection and baked in a sweet and savory maple glaze made with pure maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme. The result is tender chicken with a beautifully caramelized glaze that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or rice, making it a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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

Ingredients

Scale

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken after searing.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
Make the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
Bake the Chicken: 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 generously with the glaze to enhance the flavor and keep them moist.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the maple glazed chicken thighs with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables or rice, drizzling any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

Ensure the chicken skin is well dried before searing to achieve maximum crispiness.
If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works perfectly; just adjust quantities accordingly.
Use an oven-safe skillet for an easy transition from stovetop searing to oven baking without transferring the chicken.
Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is safely cooked while staying juicy.
Leftover glaze can be reheated and drizzled on vegetables or salads for extra flavor.

Keywords: Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs, Baked Chicken Thighs, Maple Syrup Chicken, Crispy Skin Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipes