Golden Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs
A delightful blend of sweet maple and tangy Dijon mustard glazed over tender, juicy chicken thighs. Perfect for an easy, yet indulgent dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish suitable for oven use
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Small Bowl for mixing glaze
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Maple Dijon Glaze
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic until well combined. Stir in fresh rosemary if using.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Pour the maple Dijon glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Serving
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy, tender meat.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
Notes
Pro Tips: Pat the chicken dry to ensure crispy skin. Baste with glaze halfway through baking for a glossy finish. Check internal temp for doneness.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking. Swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor.
How to Serve: Pair with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. Serve with a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Freshness: Keep leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven to retain crispness.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare glaze in advance and marinate chicken for extra flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking. Swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor.
How to Serve: Pair with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. Serve with a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Freshness: Keep leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven to retain crispness.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare glaze in advance and marinate chicken for extra flavor.