Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs featuring a sweet and savory glaze of pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and fragrant thyme. This baked chicken dish delivers juicy, caramelized skin and tender meat, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Maple Dijon Glaze
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a hot environment for crisping the chicken skin and caramelizing the glaze.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin. Place the thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet in a single layer.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the maple Dijon mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Turn each piece to make sure it’s thoroughly coated in the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and caramelized.
- Broil for crispier skin (optional): For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any extra sauce from the pan over the thighs for added moisture and flavor.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- For quicker cooking, substitute boneless chicken thighs and reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
- Marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours before baking to enhance the flavors even more.
