Description
This Maple-Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a rich maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard glaze. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a simple, quick, and versatile dish ideal for comforting weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Maple-Dijon Sauce
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Maple-Dijon Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until fully combined to form the glaze.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Sauce and Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, pour the maple-Dijon sauce over the chicken, and add fresh thyme sprigs if using. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then remove from the pan. Spoon extra sauce over the top and let rest a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Notes
- Dry the chicken well before cooking for crispier skin.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs to maintain juiciness and flavor.
- Simmer gently after searing to avoid drying the meat.
- Baste the chicken regularly with sauce while cooking for extra moisture and flavor.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Optional Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: maple chicken, Dijon chicken, chicken thighs, maple-Dijon glaze, easy chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, weeknight dinner
