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- Chicken thighs: bone-in and skin-on - Mustard: Dijon is preferred - Sweetener: pure maple syrup - Olive oil: for moisture - Aromatics: minced garlic and fresh rosemary - Spices: smoked paprika, salt, and pepper - Acid: apple cider vinegar - Garnish: fresh parsley To make Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs, you need a few key ingredients. Start with four chicken thighs that are bone-in and skin-on. This cut helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor. Next, grab some Dijon mustard; it gives a nice tang. You will also want pure maple syrup for sweetness. Olive oil adds moisture, making the chicken tender. For flavor, use minced garlic and fresh rosemary. Smoked paprika adds a touch of warmth, while salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Apple cider vinegar adds a bit of zing, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup. Finally, don’t forget fresh parsley for garnish. It looks great and adds freshness to your dish. These ingredients work together to create a tasty meal that is easy to make. The mix of sweet and savory will have everyone wanting more! First, you need to preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This gets the oven hot enough for the chicken. Next, grab a baking dish and set it aside. You will place the chicken thighs in this dish. Make sure the dish is large enough to hold all the thighs comfortably. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Whisk these together until everything blends well. You want a smooth and tasty mix. This sauce will add flavor to the chicken. It's time to bake! Place the chicken thighs in your baking dish, skin side up. Pour the maple Dijon sauce over the chicken. Make sure each thigh gets a good amount. Reserve a little sauce for later basting. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that time, take it out and baste it with the reserved sauce. This helps keep the chicken moist. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Check the chicken to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and golden. Once it’s done, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal! To get that perfect crispy skin, basting is key. Basting keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor. When you first bake the chicken, the skin starts to brown and crisp up. After 30 minutes, take it out and baste it with the extra sauce. This helps the skin caramelize. Oven temperature also plays a big role. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat allows the chicken to cook through while making the skin golden and crispy. You can boost flavor with different herbs. Try using thyme or sage for a fresh twist. Each herb brings its own taste and elevates the dish. You can also add a spicy kick if you like heat. Mix in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This adds warmth and excitement to every bite. If you use boneless chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. You may only need about 20-25 minutes in total. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. For larger or smaller thighs, adjust your baking time as needed. Larger thighs may need a bit longer, while smaller ones cook faster. Keep an eye on them to ensure they stay juicy and tender. {{image_2}} You can switch up the taste of Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs. One great way is to add a citrus twist. Try mixing in some lemon or orange juice. This change gives the dish a bright flavor. The acidity works well with the sweetness of the maple syrup. Another option is to add spices for heat. You can mix in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This extra kick makes the dish exciting and bold. While chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe, you can use chicken breasts too. They will cook faster, so check them earlier. You want to keep them moist, so be careful not to overcook them. If you want a twist, try turkey thighs. They have a slightly different flavor but work great with the maple Dijon sauce. The cooking time will be similar to chicken thighs, so keep an eye on them. Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs pair well with many sides. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad make great choices. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or rice for a filling meal. For toppings, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. A squeeze of lemon on top can brighten the dish even more. These simple touches make your dinner plate colorful and tasty. After enjoying your Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. To reheat your chicken, the best method is using an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery. You can store your Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs in the fridge for four days. If frozen, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the chicken smells off or has a strange texture, it is best to throw it away. Keeping your food safe is key to enjoying great meals! Yes, you can use different mustards. Yellow mustard offers a milder taste. Whole grain mustard adds texture and a unique flavor. Spicy brown mustard provides a nice kick. Adjust the amount to match your taste. Each type will give a different twist to the dish. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear, not pink. Always ensure your chicken is safe to eat. Great sides for this dish include: - Roasted vegetables, like carrots and broccoli - Mashed potatoes for creaminess - Rice or quinoa for a hearty option - A simple green salad for freshness These sides balance the flavors and make a complete meal. Yes, marinating overnight is a good idea. It allows the flavors to soak into the chicken. Just keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply follow the baking instructions. This step can enhance the taste even more. Absolutely, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so watch the time. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes. Check for the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Boneless thighs will still be juicy and delicious! This blog post covered how to make Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs. We explored the key ingredients, like chicken thighs, Dijon mustard, and pure maple syrup. I shared step-by-step instructions, helpful tips for crispy skin, and flavorful variations to try. Remember to store your leftovers properly to enjoy later. Cooking doesn't have to be hard. With the right ingredients and methods, you can create a tasty meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

Elevate your dinner with these delicious Baked Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs! This simple recipe combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with a flavorful blend of Dijon mustard and rich maple syrup, creating an irresistible glaze. Perfect for a family meal, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with mouthwatering taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this easy, tasty dinner idea!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.

      Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up. Pour the maple Dijon mixture over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is generously coated. Reserve a small amount of the sauce for basting later.

        Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

          After 30 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and baste with the reserved sauce. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the skin is crispy.

            Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

              Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4