Sheet Pan Maple-Dijon Chicken Thighs
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
- ★★
A Note from Feedfeed
Take your weeknight dinner game to the next level with these one-pan Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs, a dish that's sure to win over the whole family. The delightful maple syrup glaze creates that coveted crispy skin while the vegetables soak up a rich, sweet flavor.
Recipe Description
At the heart of this dish lies the maple glaze—a combination of olive oil, real maple syrup, vibrant Dijon mustard, fragrant orange zest, and the comforting warmth of fresh ginger. A hint of smoky Aleppo pepper introduces just the right touch of heat, achieving a harmonious flavor. For a finishing touch, serve with maple to accentuate the flavors.
What we love about this recipe is the simple ingredients and easy steps. Perfectly seasoned chicken thighs rest atop a vibrant blend of acorn squash, fennel, and juicy red grapes. As the maple dijon mustard sauce coats the chicken thighs and veggies, they morph into a fragrant, seasonal dinner, ideal for the upcoming cooler months.
- Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs Ingredients
Aleppo Pepper
This hidden gem brings a subtle but distinctive heat to this maple Dijon chicken thigh recipe. This unique Middle Eastern spice infuses the dish with a smoky warmth, elevating the flavor profile to a new level. While you can substitute it with red pepper flakes, the rare and nuanced smokiness of Aleppo pepper is genuinely worth the hunt for a more exceptional culinary experience.
Fennel
This unsung hero imparts a delicate anise-like flavor and delightful crunch to these easy maple dijon chicken thighs. This versatile vegetable complements the dish's sweet and savory elements and caramelizes beautifully when roasted. While you can substitute it with celery for a similar crunch, the fennel's unique flavor adds a layer of complexity that's genuinely worth it.
Red Grapes
Act as the surprise element that transforms these maple dijon chicken thighs. Adding sweet, juicy grapes not only provides a burst of natural sweetness but also develops a unique complexity when roasted, balancing the savory notes of the dish.
Test Kitchen Notes
Customizing Sweetness and Flavor Depth
Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste for a balanced sweetness. If you prefer a slightly sweeter glaze, increase the maple syrup by an extra tablespoon. Conversely, you can reduce the maple syrup by a tablespoon if you prefer a savory profile. Additionally, a dash of soy sauce can further enhance the depth of flavors in this recipe, offering a subtle umami note that beautifully complements the overall taste.
Aluminum Foil
Cover the chicken thighs with aluminum foil during the first 20 minutes of baking to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken skin from becoming overly crispy. This will help maintain a tender, juicy texture without compromising the flavors.
Seasonal Fruit Variations
Experiment with different fruit additions, like pears or apples, to create delightful seasonal variations of this dish. These fruits can offer a unique twist to the recipe, complementing the maple glaze and chicken in their own special way. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to accommodate the specific fruit's characteristics.
Other Veggies
Beyond fruit variations, you can experiment with incorporating other vegetables. Try adding parsnips or carrots. Sweet potatoes would make a great substitution in replace of the acorn squash. Be mindful of adjusting cooking times to accommodate the specific characteristics of the vegetables or fruits.
Perfect Meal Pairing
Consider serving this dish with creamy mashed potatoes to complement the flavors and add a creamy dimension to the dining experience. Rice would be an excellent choice as a side dish to accompany this meal, particularly Wild Rice with Sweet Potatoes or Cranberry Rice Pilaf, which can absorb the maple glaze and chicken flavors. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette could also serve as a refreshing side, contrasting the richness of the main course.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts for this recipe?
Can I make the maple glaze and store it in the refrigerator ahead of time?
Recipe Card
ingredients
For the maple glaze
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 orange, zested
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 (1-inch) knob fresh ginger, grated and peeled
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
ingredients
For the vegetables and chicken
- 1 small acorn squash, seeded and sliced
- 1 small fennel bulb, cored and sliced, fronds removed
- 2 cups red grapes
- 4-6 (about 4 pounds) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Method
To make the maple glaze:
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, orange zest, garlic, ginger, Aleppo pepper, salt and pepper together until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3
Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Arrange the squash, fennel, and grapes on a large baking pan or dish. Toss them with half of the maple glaze.
Step 5
Place the chicken thighs on top of the squash mixture and brush the thighs with the remaining maple glaze.
Step 6
Move the chicken thighs into the preheated oven and bake until the chicken thighs register 165˚F and the squash and fennel are golden brown, about 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
Step 7
Garnish with reserved fennel fronds and serve immediately.