Name: Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Sweet, sticky, and bursting with flavor, these Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs are one of my go-to weeknight recipes when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require much effort. The combination of pure maple syrup, garlic, and a touch of tangy vinegar creates a glossy glaze that clings to the crispy-skinned chicken in the most irresistible way. I love how the thighs stay juicy and tender on the inside while the outside develops that perfect caramelized crust.

This dish is the perfect marriage of savory and sweet, and it works just as well for a casual dinner as it does for impressing guests. The best part? You don’t need a pantry full of ingredients to make it happen. It’s all about balance—just a few well-chosen items come together for bold, satisfying flavor. Let’s dive into what makes this chicken so crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, and super satisfying. The thighs come out incredibly juicy thanks to their higher fat content, and the maple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, but elegant enough to serve to company.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice, or even a fresh salad. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or putting together a last-minute dinner, this recipe is a reliable winner.

What Kind of Chicken Thighs Should I Use?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe. The skin crisps up beautifully under high heat, and the bone helps retain moisture during cooking. That said, if you only have boneless, skinless thighs on hand, they’ll still work—just reduce the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey makes a great substitute—it will still deliver that sticky, glossy texture, though with a slightly different flavor. For a deeper, smoky twist, you could swap in molasses.

No apple cider vinegar? Try using rice vinegar or even a splash of balsamic. And if you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos are a fantastic gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic in a pinch, and if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can easily be added to the glaze.

Ingredients for This Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – The star of the dish. Bone-in thighs bring extra flavor and juiciness, while the skin crisps beautifully when cooked properly.
Maple syrup – The sweet backbone of the glaze. Use pure maple syrup for best results; it gives depth without being overly sugary.
Soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami that balances out the sweetness of the maple.
Apple cider vinegar – Brings a mild acidity that brightens up the glaze and cuts through the richness.
Garlic (minced) – Adds savory depth and aroma. Fresh is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Dijon mustard – A subtle kick of sharpness that enhances the glaze’s complexity.
Olive oil – Helps with browning and rounds out the flavor. It also keeps the skin crisp.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish, adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. This will be your sweet and tangy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully while roasting.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them crisp up while cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Thighs

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

Once both sides are seared, pour the maple glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over each thigh to coat evenly.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). The glaze should thicken and caramelize slightly.

Step 6: Broil for Extra Caramelization (Optional)

For extra sticky, crispy skin, place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

How Long to Prepare the Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes. Prep time is minimal, and most of the magic happens while the chicken is roasting in the oven. The result is well worth every minute.

Prep Time (10-15 minutes): Drying and seasoning the chicken takes just a few minutes. The glaze comes together in under 5 minutes with simple whisking.

Cook Time (25-30 minutes): Searing the chicken adds about 10 minutes, followed by 20–25 minutes in the oven. If you decide to broil at the end, add an extra 2–3 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs

Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor.
Dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning. This helps the skin crisp up.
Don’t skip the sear. It locks in flavor and creates a golden crust.
Taste the glaze before using. Adjust vinegar or maple to suit your preference.
Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it moist and tender.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pan – This causes steaming instead of searing. Use a large skillet.
Not preheating the oven – You need a hot oven to caramelize the glaze properly.
Undercooking or overcooking – Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (175°F for thighs).
Using pancake syrup – Only pure maple syrup gives the right depth of flavor.
Skipping the broil (if desired) – This last step adds that irresistible sticky crispiness.

What to Serve With Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs?

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery, and the perfect base for soaking up extra glaze.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their nutty bitterness pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory glaze.

3. Steamed Rice

Fluffy white or jasmine rice balances the richness of the chicken.

4. Maple Glazed Carrots

Carry the maple theme across your plate with tender, sweet carrots.

5. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

The peppery greens and tangy dressing bring a fresh contrast.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The glaze may thicken, but it reheats beautifully.

Freezing: You can freeze cooked thighs for up to 2 months. Wrap individually or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the glaze needs loosening.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugars: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 540mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 175°F (80°C) for bone-in thighs.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but they cook faster and can dry out. Keep a close eye and adjust the cooking time.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

You can sear the chicken in a pan, then transfer it to a baking dish to finish roasting.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Conclusion

Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs are everything you want in a dinner—easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish brings comforting, elevated flavors with minimal effort. With a crisp exterior, juicy interior, and that sticky-sweet glaze, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.