Maple-Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Maple-Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe delivers juicy, tender bone-in chicken thighs glazed with a perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, it is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering a flavorful and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Glaze
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the Maple-Dijon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, and optional lemon juice until well combined.
- Coat and Marinate: Brush the glaze generously onto each chicken thigh, applying some under the skin where possible for maximum flavor absorption. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the glazed chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or shallow roasting pan. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes until the skin is golden and caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If desired, switch on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp the skin further without burning the glaze. Watch closely to prevent charring.
Notes
- Dry the chicken skin well before seasoning for the crispiest texture.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Marinate the chicken even briefly to deepen flavors.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Maple Dijon chicken, chicken thighs, baked chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken