Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - ¼ cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Oven-safe skillet - Mixing bowl - Whisk - Paper towels The main ingredients for Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs are simple yet flavorful. The chicken thighs are the star of this dish. Bone-in and skin-on make them juicy and delicious. The skin provides a crispy texture. Maple syrup adds a sweet touch. Dijon mustard gives it a nice tang. Soy sauce or tamari brings in a salty depth. Garlic adds warmth, while fresh thyme gives a hint of earthiness. For seasoning, you just need salt and pepper. They help enhance the dish’s natural flavors. Olive oil is important for searing the chicken. It prevents sticking and adds flavor. Fresh parsley is a lovely garnish. It brightens the plate and adds color. You will need an oven-safe skillet to start on the stove and finish in the oven. A mixing bowl is for combining your marinade. A whisk helps blend the ingredients smoothly. Paper towels are crucial to dry the chicken. Drying helps achieve that crispy skin we all love. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - ¼ cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Whisk the mix until it is smooth and blended. This marinade adds great flavor. Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin get crispy. Then, season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. After searing, flip the thighs so the skin side is facing up. Pour the maple Dijon marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes. This step keeps the meat juicy. Before serving, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. It adds color and freshness to the dish. To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start by patting them dry. This step removes moisture and helps the skin become golden. Aim to dry both sides well. Next, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the skin to turn a lovely, deep brown. This creates a crispy layer that makes each bite delightful. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to soak in well. You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist. Another option is to include some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or sage. These add depth and make your dish even more special. Pair your Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs with colorful sides. Roasted seasonal vegetables work great. You can also serve it with a light salad for freshness. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle the pan juices over the top. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch. Your meal will look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensuring your chicken thighs are dry before searing will help achieve that perfect crispy skin. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful. Customize the Sauce: Add your favorite herbs or spices to the maple Dijon sauce to personalize the flavor profile to your liking. {{image_4}} You can make this dish gluten-free easily. Just swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a great choice. It tastes just like soy sauce but has no gluten. Want to jazz up your dish? Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage. These herbs give the chicken a lovely aroma. You can also add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste. If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute chicken thighs. Try using chicken breasts or even pork chops. Both options work well with the maple Dijon sauce. Just adjust cooking times as needed. To keep your Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors intact and the meat juicy. To reheat chicken thighs, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the skin crispy and the meat tender. You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for later use. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Wrap the thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. For best flavor, use them within three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. This gentle method keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. Cook chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures it is safe to eat. If you have larger thighs, they may need a few extra minutes. Always check for doneness to avoid undercooking. Yes, you can use boneless thighs. Adjust the cooking time to 20-25 minutes. Boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in ones. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. They will still soak up all the tasty maple Dijon sauce. Marinating isn't mandatory but it helps. Soaking the chicken in the sauce for a bit adds flavor. It also makes the meat juicy and tender. If you have time, let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour. You can even marinate overnight for more depth. Pair these chicken thighs with simple sides. Roasted vegetables are a great choice. You can also serve them with rice or a fresh salad. A crisp white wine or iced tea works well as a drink. These flavors complement the sweetness of the maple syrup beautifully. This recipe for Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs offers a blend of flavor and ease. Starting with key ingredients, like chicken thighs and a tasty marinade, you can create a dish everyone will love. Remember to sear the chicken well for crispy skin and use fresh herbs for extra flavor. With the right tips and serving suggestions, you can impress your guests. Enjoy cooking this simple, yet delicious meal that fits any occasion. Cooking can be fun and satisfying when you make something special!$

A delicious and easy recipe for chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
0.25 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's ready for roasting the chicken evenly.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and smooth.
Use paper towels to pat the chicken thighs dry on both sides. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Lightly season each thigh with salt and pepper.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is facing up, then pour the prepared maple Dijon mixture over the top, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
Carefully transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
After cooking, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices within the meat.
Before serving, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve the chicken thighs on a large platter with the pan juices drizzled over the top. Accompany with seasonal vegetables or a side salad for a colorful and inviting meal.

Keyword chicken, dijon, maple, roasted, thighs