Smoky maple glazed chicken thighs with garlic are a cozy, comfort-filled dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, velvety sauce coats the juicy, crispy-skinned chicken, creating a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to satisfy. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs with Garlic
Chicken thighs are a naturally juicy and flavorful cut, and when coated in a smoky, maple-based glaze, they become an indulgent, hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy, comfort-filled meals. The addition of garlic adds a zesty, bright element that balances the richness of the sauce. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, making it a seamless addition to your weekly menu.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a short list of pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed dish. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic, and a few other simple seasonings.
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the skin gets crispy and the meat stays juicy
- 1/2 cup maple syrup – for a sweet, caramelized glaze
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – adds a delicious smoky depth of flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – provides a zesty, aromatic element
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – helps create a rich, velvety sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: If you don’t have bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead. Just be mindful that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
- Butter: For a dairy-free option, you can substitute olive oil or avocado oil for the butter.
How to Make Smoky Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs with Garlic
This recipe is easy to prepare and comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Then, in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Flip the chicken thighs and add the garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Then, pour in the maple syrup and smoked paprika, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Baste the chicken with the smoky maple glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Serve the Smoky Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs with Garlic immediately, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Variation: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Honey Swap: You can substitute honey for the maple syrup, or use a combination of the two.
- Thicker Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes after the chicken has finished cooking.
- Garnish: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be easily prepared in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Information
This recipe is a hearty, comfort-filled dish that’s packed with protein from the chicken thighs. Each serving provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the garlic and spices. With the addition of the smoky maple glaze, this dish offers a balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying flavors.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Boneless thighs will cook more quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with honey?
Absolutely! Honey can be used in place of the maple syrup, or you can even use a combination of the two. The honey will provide a similar sweetness and caramelized flavor to the glaze.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes after the chicken has finished cooking. This will allow the glaze to reduce and become more concentrated.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can be used, chicken thighs are the preferred cut for this recipe. Thighs are naturally more juicy and flavorful, which pairs better with the rich, smoky maple glaze.
How long will the leftovers keep?
Leftover Smoky Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs with Garlic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Try These Next
- garlic butter chicken thighs with crispy maple glaze
- crispy honey garlic chicken thighs with roasted veggies
- crispy garlic herb chicken thighs with roasted veggies
Smoky Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs with Garlic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously smoky and sweet, these maple glazed chicken thighs with garlic are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the maple glaze over them, making sure they are well coated.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
6. Baste the chicken with the glaze halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Serve with roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chicken, Maple, Garlic, Glazed, Dinner