Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs offer a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the maple Dijon mixture over them.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crisp skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the marinade for a touch of acidity.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the baking time as breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels when using prepared Dijon mustard to ensure it contains no gluten.
Print
Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs combine the sweetness of maple syrup with the tangy kick of Dijon mustard for a flavorful and easy-to-make baked chicken dish. Perfectly juicy and tender, this recipe is a quick weeknight dinner that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the chicken thighs.
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth marinade that will coat the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Pour the maple Dijon marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated to absorb the flavors.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the coated chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C), and the skin is nicely caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic finish, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Chicken thighs can be bone-in or boneless depending on preference; cooking times may vary slightly.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Maple Dijon Chicken, Baked Chicken Thighs, Easy Chicken Dinner, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Weeknight Chicken Recipe
