Strap in, folks, because we’re about to take your tastebuds on a wild ride! Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue here, and I’m serving up a dish that’s guaranteed to blow your mind – Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs with a Maple Butter Drizzle. This recipe is an absolute EXPLOSION of flavors, and it’s gonna leave you begging for more. So let’s get started, because I promise this is gonna be the most epic meal you’ve ever had.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs with Maple Butter Drizzle
Strap on your bibs, y’all, because this dish is about to take your taste buds on a thrilling journey. The combination of spicy pumpkin, smoky whiskey, and sweet maple butter is simply out of this world. The chicken thighs are cooked to absolute perfection, with a crispy skin that’ll make you swoon. And the maple butter drizzle? It’s like liquid gold, dripping over the whole thing and making every bite an absolute FEAST for the senses. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new go-to for any occasion – from cozy fall nights to epic dinner parties that’ll have your friends talking for weeks.
Ingredients
We’re packing some serious flavor into this dish, so get ready for an incredible ingredient lineup. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pumpkin puree, whiskey, a blend of warming spices, maple syrup, and butter. The combination of these powerhouse ingredients is what takes this dish from ordinary to LEGENDARY.
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup – Whiskey
- 1 tbsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – Ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp – Cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work just as well. The bone-in versions will give you an even juicier and more flavorful result.
- Whiskey: If you’re not feeling the whiskey, you can use brandy or even dark rum instead. The smoky, oaky flavor is what you’re after, so any of those spirits will do the trick.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs with Maple Butter Drizzle
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff – the step-by-step process for creating this INSANE dish. First, we’ll start with some simple prep work. Get your chicken all patted dry and season it up with a blend of spices that’ll make your mouth water. Then, we’ll sear those thighs to perfection, getting that skin nice and crispy. Next, we’ll whip up a sensational sauce by combining the pumpkin puree, whiskey, and more of those amazing spices. We’ll let that simmer until it’s thick and incredibly flavorful. And the final touch? That drool-worthy maple butter drizzle that’s gonna tie the whole thing together in the most epic way possible.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them all over with the smoked paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne. This spice blend is going to create an incredible depth of flavor and a seriously addictive crust on the chicken.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the thighs and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Once the chicken is seared, remove the thighs from the pan and set them aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the whiskey to the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Let the whiskey simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree and remaining spices. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken up for 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the pumpkin whiskey sauce. Transfer the whole skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is nice and thick.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and maple syrup. Drizzle this luscious maple butter over the top of the chicken thighs just before serving. Get ready for the ooh’s and ahh’s, folks – this dish is about to blow everyone’s minds!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Make it Creamy: For an extra velvety sauce, stir in a couple tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or pepitas over the top for a delicious textural contrast.
- Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with turkey thighs or even pork chops instead of chicken.
- Lighten it Up: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken and sauce in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or on the stovetop over medium heat.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and bake the dish when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs dish is not only INSANELY delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients. The pumpkin puree provides a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, while the chicken thighs deliver a hefty dose of protein. And let’s not forget about that maple butter drizzle – it might be the cherry on top of this already epic sundae.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs. Just be sure to keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do I have to use whiskey, or can I substitute another alcohol?
You don’t have to use whiskey if you don’t want to. As mentioned in the ingredient substitutions, you can use brandy or dark rum instead. The key is to look for a spirit with a bold, smoky flavor that will complement the pumpkin and spices.
How spicy is this dish?
This Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs recipe has a moderate amount of heat, thanks to the cayenne pepper. If you’re looking to dial down the spice, you can reduce the amount of cayenne or omit it entirely. On the other hand, if you want to turn up the heat, feel free to add a little extra cayenne or even some fresh minced jalapeño or habanero.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is actually perfect for making ahead. You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken in advance, then just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will only get better as it all hangs out together.
What should I serve with this Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs?
This dish is so packed with flavor, it really only needs a simple side to round out the meal. I recommend serving it with roasted sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad, or some creamy garlic mashed potatoes. And don’t forget to drizzle that maple butter over everything – it’s the star of the show!
Try These Next
- Whiskey Glazed Maple Bacon Meatballs With Sweet Chili Drizzle
- Maple Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings With Spicy Honey Drizzle
- Spiced Rum Glazed Chicken Wings With Sweet Chili Drizzle
Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs with Maple Butter Drizzle
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Savory and sweet, these Spiced Pumpkin Whiskey Chicken Thighs are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and whiskey, then drizzled with a rich maple butter sauce for a perfect fusion of tastes.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup whiskey
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, whiskey, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. 2. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
3. 3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. 4. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear them skin-side down for about 5 minutes until crispy.
5. 5. Flip the chicken thighs over, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. 6. While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the remaining marinade and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
7. 7. Drizzle the maple butter sauce over the chicken before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: 🍰 SWEET HEAT FUSION
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg