Sticky Maple Soy Chicken Thighs Recipe
Deliciously sticky and flavorful chicken thighs baked to perfection with a rich maple syrup glaze balanced by soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This easy oven-baked recipe yields tender, juicy chicken with a beautiful caramelized finish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Maple Glaze Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet skin-side up.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken thighs for 35 minutes. This initial baking cooks the chicken through while starting to crisp the skin.
- Make the maple glaze: While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside one-third of the sauce for serving.
- Flip and glaze chicken: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip each chicken thigh so the skin-side is down. Brush the exposed side generously with the maple glaze sauce.
- Reapply glaze and bake again: Flip the chicken thighs again, placing the skin-side up. Brush the tops generously with more maple glaze.
- Finish baking: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra caramelization, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end if desired, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Allow the chicken thighs to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to let the juices redistribute. Serve hot with the reserved maple glaze sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup slightly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Broiling at the end adds extra crispiness but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Keywords: Sticky Chicken Thighs, Oven Baked Chicken, Maple Glazed Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Sweet and Savory Chicken