The aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs brushed with a luscious maple bourbon glaze fills the air, beckoning you to the table. This recipe is a symphony of flavors, with the rich, caramelized sweetness of maple and the bold, smoky notes of bourbon complementing the tender, juicy chicken. Prepare to be transported to a cozy, autumn-inspired gathering, where every bite is a celebration of the season’s bounty.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, blending the comfort of classic chicken with the sophistication of a gourmet-inspired glaze. The crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat make it an irresistible main course, while the aromatic herb glaze adds a touch of elegance and depth of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a satisfying weeknight meal, these Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze are sure to leave your guests or family members raving. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky notes creates a harmonious balance that will have you coming back for seconds. Prepare to savor the flavors of the season and create unforgettable memories around the table.
Ingredients
To make these Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs form the base of the dish, providing the perfect canvas for the bold flavors. Maple syrup, bourbon, and a blend of herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley, come together to create the irresistible glaze. Olive oil, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning, ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned and the skin crisps to perfection.
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in this recipe.
- Glaze Ingredients: For the glaze, you can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, to complement the maple and bourbon flavors. Adjust the herb blend to suit your personal preferences, adding or substituting your favorite fresh herbs.
How to Make Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Set the glaze mixture aside.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Set the glaze mixture aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan, then carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the hot pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden-brown. Flip the chicken and transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Roast the chicken in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken thighs generously with the maple bourbon glaze, ensuring the skin is evenly coated.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, remove the pan from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. Serve the Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze immediately, drizzling any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Marinated Chicken: For added depth of flavor, try marinating the chicken thighs in the maple bourbon glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will infuse the meat with the delicious sweetness and smokiness.
- Saucier Glaze: If you prefer a saucier glaze, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the chicken more generously.
- Serving Suggestions: For a fun twist, try serving the Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze over a bed of roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes, which will soak up the flavorful juices.
- Herb Variations: You can also experiment with different herbs, such as sage or tarragon, to complement the maple and bourbon notes.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze are best served hot and fresh from the oven, paired with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite side dishes to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the chicken thighs in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, basting with any remaining glaze from the pan.
Make-Ahead: While you can prepare the maple bourbon glaze in advance, it’s best to cook the chicken thighs right before serving for the crispiest skin and juiciest texture.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze provides a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The chicken thighs are a great source of lean protein, while the maple syrup and herbs offer a boost of antioxidants and nutrients. This dish is also relatively low in calories and carbs, making it a wholesome and satisfying option for your dinner menu.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs. Be sure to keep a close eye on the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While you can prepare the maple bourbon glaze in advance, it’s best to cook the chicken thighs right before serving for the crispiest skin and juiciest texture. You can, however, reheat the cooked chicken thighs in the oven or a skillet to enjoy leftovers.
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the bourbon with another spirit, such as whiskey, brandy, or even a dry white wine. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the alcohol you choose.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you’d like a thicker, more glossy glaze, you can try adding a small amount of cornstarch or flour to the maple bourbon mixture before brushing it onto the chicken. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, you can absolutely grill the chicken thighs instead of baking them. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken, skin-side down, for 5-7 minutes before flipping and grilling for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush the glaze on during the last few minutes of grilling for a delicious, charred finish.
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Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs with Herb Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs are perfectly glazed with a sweet and savory herb sauce, making for a mouthwatering main dish that your family will love.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. 4. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook until the skin is crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5. Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the maple-bourbon mixture over the top.
6. 6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
7. 7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra crispy skin, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
– You can substitute the bourbon with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
– Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, maple, bourbon, herb glaze