Introduction

Maple glazed chicken thighs are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making for a deliciously simple dinner. Crispy skin and tender meat coated with a sticky maple glaze create a dish that’s sure to impress. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

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. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the 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.
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 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 the flavor.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides and drizzle with any remaining glaze.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken is dry before searing.
Substitute fresh thyme if available for a brighter herb flavor.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Use boneless thighs if you prefer quicker cooking times.

Storage

Store leftover maple glazed chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can be used as alternatives. They will slightly change the flavor but still complement the maple glaze well.

Can this recipe be made without an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer the chicken and glaze to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, perfectly coated in a sweet and savory maple syrup glaze infused with garlic, thyme, and Dijon mustard. Easy to prepare and baked in one skillet, it’s a delicious weeknight dinner that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or rice.

Author: Ella
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

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 is hot and ready for baking the chicken thighs.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly 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 becomes golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Make the Maple Glaze: While the chicken sears, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme in a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Bake the Chicken: Pour the prepared 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 chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken by spooning the glaze over the thighs to amplify the flavor and keep them moist.
Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven once the chicken is fully cooked. Let the chicken rest in the skillet for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the maple glazed chicken thighs with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables or rice, drizzling any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, ensure chicken thighs are patted completely dry before searing.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken thighs should reach 165°F internally.
You can substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme, adjusting the quantity accordingly.
Leftover glaze can be simmered and reduced to make a delicious sauce for serving.
Bone-in, skin-on thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor, but boneless thighs can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.

Keywords: maple glazed chicken, chicken thighs, baked chicken, maple syrup chicken, easy chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken