Why Make This Recipe
Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs are a perfect dish for any occasion. The blend of sweet maple syrup and savory soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that makes the chicken both tender and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare, and the combination of crispy skin and juicy meat will leave everyone at your table wanting more.
How to Make Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Directions
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take your chicken thighs and pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is the secret to getting that skin really crispy. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you make the glaze; this helps them cook more evenly.
Now, let’s make that magical glaze. In your small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme. Whisk it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble away for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. You’ll notice it becoming more fragrant and syrupy. Remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Time to sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in your large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you might need to do this in two batches. Sear them for 5-7 minutes without moving them, until the skin is a deep golden brown and super crispy. Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
This is where the magic happens. Brush a generous amount of the maple glaze over the top and sides of each chicken thigh, making sure to get it into all the crevices. You should hear a gentle sizzle—that’s a good sign! Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding the bone. About halfway through, pull the skillet out and brush the chicken with more of the reserved glaze. This double-glazing ensures a thick, irresistible coating.
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven—remember, the handle will be extremely hot! Let the chicken rest in the skillet for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist. Drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan before serving.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
Serve these chicken thighs hot from the oven, paired with your favorite sides. They go well with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a crisp salad. Feel free to drizzle any extra glaze over your sides for added flavor!
How to Store Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until it is heated through.
Tips to Make Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning to get that crispy skin.
- Don’t skip letting the chicken rest after baking; this keeps it juicy.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano in the glaze for new flavors.
Variation
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer less fat and a milder flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
2. How can I ensure the skin is crispy?
Pat the chicken dry and sear it well in hot oil before baking to get that crispy skin.
3. Can I use another sweetener instead of maple syrup?
You can substitute honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will change slightly. Maple syrup gives a unique taste!
Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Making the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme.
- Whisk together and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, letting it bubble for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
- Flip the thighs and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Brush the chicken with the maple glaze.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Halfway through, brush with more reserved glaze.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle with remaining glaze before serving.
