Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where classic comfort meets refined elegance. Chef Crenn from CrennRecipes.com invites you to experience the ultimate in elevated comfort food with her mouthwatering Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs. This delectable dish is a true work of art, combining the warm, familiar flavors of maple and bourbon with a visually stunning presentation that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the irresistible combination of juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a luscious, gourmet maple bourbon glaze. This dish is a true masterpiece of flavors, delivering a decadent and refined take on a comfort food classic. The maple bourbon glaze adds a delicate sweetness and a hint of warmth, creating a heavenly balance that will leave you craving more. Prepare to be inspired by the beautiful presentation and the cozy, inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen, making this dish a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Gather the necessary ingredients to create this Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs masterpiece: bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. These simple, yet high-quality ingredients come together to form a truly elegant and satisfying dish.
- 8-10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the rich, juicy texture of the thighs is perfect for this dish.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup – provides a delectable sweetness.
- 1/4 cup bourbon – adds a warm, sophisticated depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – helps to emulsify the glaze.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds a savory, aromatic element.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Bourbon: Apple juice or chicken broth — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with rich, decadent flavors and visually stunning presentation. This Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe is a masterclass in elevated comfort food.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet and brush the maple bourbon glaze over the top and sides of the chicken. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. During the resting time, the glaze will thicken and become even more irresistible. Garnish the Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs with fresh thyme sprigs, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Marinate for Deeper Flavor: For a deeper flavor, try marinating the chicken thighs in the maple bourbon glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before roasting.
- Herb Variations: You can also experiment with other herbs, such as rosemary or sage, to complement the maple and bourbon flavors.
- Serving Idea: To achieve an even more visually stunning presentation, consider serving the chicken thighs over a bed of roasted sweet potato or butternut squash puree.
- Thicker Glaze: To achieve a thicker, more luscious glaze, simply simmer the maple bourbon mixture for a few extra minutes before brushing it onto the chicken.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad, or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs in advance. Simply assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe is a delightful balance of indulgence and mindfulness. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of protein, with the added benefits of heart-healthy fats and natural sweeteners. Enjoy this dish as part of a wholesome, well-rounded meal, knowing that you’re nourishing both your body and your soul.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the glaze thicker?
To achieve a thicker, more luscious glaze, simply simmer the maple bourbon mixture for a few extra minutes before brushing it onto the chicken. This will allow the glaze to reduce and become more concentrated.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time, as boneless chicken may require less time in the oven.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe is not spicy. The flavors are focused on the warm, comforting notes of maple and bourbon, with no added heat. If you’d like to introduce a subtle kick, you can try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs in advance. Simply assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
What should I serve with this dish?
This Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad, or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to round out the plate.
Try These Next
- Spicy Maple Bourbon Bbq Chicken Thighs
- Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs With Maple Butter Drizzle
- Cranberry Maple Glazed Chicken Melt
Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The sweet and smoky glaze makes this dish a perfect centerpiece for any dinner.
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, and salt.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
5. Flip the chicken and pour the glaze over the top.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Baste the chicken with the glaze halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Serve with roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg