Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs

There’s something undeniably cozy about the combination of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. It reminds me of chilly evenings spent at home, the sweet and savory aromas wafting from the kitchen, beckoning friends and family to gather around the dinner table. This recipe for Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs has become a staple in my home, not just for its delicious flavor but also for the joy it brings when shared with loved ones. If you’re looking for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome, you’re in for a treat!

Why you’ll love this recipe

This dish is truly special, a symphony of flavors where the sweetness of maple syrup harmonizes beautifully with the tang and depth of Dijon mustard. The chicken thighs emerge from the oven with a crispy, caramelized skin that’s simply divine, while the juicy meat underneath practically melts in your mouth. Besides being a showstopper for dinner parties, the simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to for weeknight meals. Plus, the use of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs keeps the meat flavorful and moist—work with me here; they’re truly the heroes of the poultry world!

And the aroma? Oh, my friend, prepare for some heavy "What’s cooking?" inquiries from family or roommates! This dish is heartwarming comfort with a gourmet twist, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on): These are the stars of the show. The skin will get gloriously crispy while the meat remains juicy and tender—like a warm hug your tastebuds have been waiting for.

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup: This golden elixir adds just the right amount of sweetness and a beautiful caramelization to the chicken. Can’t find maple syrup? Honey can be a sweet substitute, but it won’t quite deliver that unique nuttiness.

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Ah, the secret weapon! With its tangy kick, it elevates the dish and adds depth. If you want to change things up, whole grain mustard gives a delightful texture while complementing the sweetness.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is like a trusty friend in the kitchen; it adds warmth and flavor that we all crave. Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic in a pinch can work too!

• Salt and pepper: The simplest of seasonings, yet they have the power to highlight all the flavors in the dish. Don’t be shy here—season generously!

Preparing Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs

Ready to dig in? Let’s break it down step-by-step, making the process as enjoyable as the meal itself.

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will create that crispy, golden exterior we all love.

2. Prep your baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Trust me, this makes for a no-fuss cleanup later!

3. Prepare the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial. Dry skin equals crispy skin—don’t skip this step!

4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until smooth and glossy. I like to think of this as your secret sauce!

5. Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This step builds layers of flavor, so act like you mean it!

6. Glaze the chicken: Brush the skin side of each thigh with your lovely maple Dijon mixture, ensuring full coverage—every bite should be a taste of heaven!

7. Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving room for them to roast evenly without feeling cramped.

8. Roast the chicken: Pop the chicken in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, don’t forget to baste with any leftover glaze—it adds extra shine!

9. Rest and serve: Once done, take the chicken out and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to let those delicious juices redistribute. Serve them hot, drizzled with any remaining glaze if you’re feeling extra saucy.

Best way to enjoy it

Here’s where the fun really begins! These Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs shine on their own, but they’re also amazing paired with a variety of sides. Picture them along a fluffy mound of mashed potatoes, where the rich glaze can pool—yum! Or try them with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts and carrots, beautifully complement the flavors of the chicken too.

Feeling adventurous? A side of garlicky sautéed green beans could be just the thing to balance the sweetness of the chicken. The options are endless!

Storage and reheating tips

Now, if by some miracle you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh.

• In the fridge: Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature before tossing it in!

• Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and warm it up for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps retain its crispy glory!

• Freezing: If you want to save some for later, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

• Don’t rush your prep: The key to those crispy skin thighs is the drying process. Trust the process!

• Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of maple syrup can vary, so grabbing a good quality one can elevate your dish significantly. It’s worth it!

• Experiment: Have fun with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze for a fresh twist. A little fresh lemon juice could also light up the flavors beautifully!

Recipe variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few twists to this wonderful recipe:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.

• Citrusy Touch: Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the glaze. It brightens everything up!

• Herbaceous Flair: Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the glaze or sprinkle them on right before serving for a pop of freshness and color.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
3. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
5. Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
6. Brush the skin side of each thigh with the maple Dijon glaze.
7. Arrange thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet, spaced evenly.
8. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Baste with extra glaze halfway through cooking.
10. Remove from oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Your questions answered

1. How long does this meal take to prepare?
From start to finish, including the roasting time, expect about an hour of your time.

2. Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that breasts tend to dry out faster. You might want to reduce the cooking time.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Sure! You can glaze the chicken and marinate it a few hours in advance or even overnight for deeper flavor.

4. What’s a good wine pairing?
A nice Pinot Noir or Chardonnay would complement the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.

5. How can I add more veggies?
Throw some chopped vegetables on the baking sheet alongside the chicken! Eggplant, bell peppers, or zucchini roast beautifully.

So there you have it—this Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to delight your taste buds and brighten your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to give it a try. Feel free to let your creativity shine and share your variations; after all, we’re in this culinary adventure together! Happy cooking!

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Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 60 hrs

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: any

Description

Maple Dijon Roasted Chicken Thighs are perfectly roasted with a sweet and tangy glaze that creates a crispy skin and juicy meat. A delightful dish for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on) (These are the stars of the show.)
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup (Adds sweetness and caramelization.)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Provides tang and depth.)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) (Adds warmth and flavor.)
• to taste salt (Season generously.)
• to taste pepper (Season generously.)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven

   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   This heat will create a crispy, golden exterior.
   Mark as complete

2. Prep your baking sheet

   Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
   This makes for a no-fuss cleanup later!
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare the chicken thighs

   Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
   Dry skin equals crispy skin.
   Mark as complete

4. Make the glaze

   In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until smooth and glossy.
   This is your secret sauce!
   Mark as complete

5. Season the chicken

   Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
   This builds layers of flavor.
   Mark as complete

6. Glaze the chicken

   Brush the skin side of each thigh with your maple Dijon mixture.
   Ensure full coverage for delicious flavor.
   Mark as complete

7. Arrange on the baking sheet

   Place the thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
   Leave room for them to roast evenly.
   Mark as complete

8. Roast the chicken

   Pop the chicken in the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
   Baste with any leftover glaze halfway through cooking.
   Mark as complete

9. Rest and serve

   Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
   Serve hot, drizzled with remaining glaze if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 500mg21%

Potassium 300mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 13g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 25 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 6 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 5 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 15 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to experiment with herbs for added flavor.

Keywords: chicken, roasted, maple, Dijon, easy, weeknight meal