If you love easy, flavorful dinners that come together on just one pan, then this Sheet Pan Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Juicy chicken thighs get beautifully caramelized with a sticky, sweet, and tangy maple glaze that’s bursting with garlic and a touch of Dijon mustard. The combination of salty soy sauce and smoky paprika elevates every bite, while baking it all on one sheet pan makes cleanup a breeze. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without the fuss, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet pack a powerful punch of flavor. Each element plays a crucial role: the maple syrup gives natural sweetness and glaze; Dijon mustard brings a sharp tang; soy sauce balances with umami saltiness; garlic infuses depth; paprika adds smoky warmth; and olive oil keeps everything moist and tender. Together, they transform humble chicken thighs into a show-stopping dish.
- 2 pounds chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on is best for crispy texture and juicy meat.
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Provides tang and depth to balance the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Introduces savory umami richness and saltiness.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic, pungent flavor that complements the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps with even browning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Lends a smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor enhancement.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Freshens and adds a pop of green for garnish.
How to Make Sheet Pan Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. This high roasting temperature is key to crisping the skin while keeping the chicken juicy.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
Whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This mixture is your magic glaze that will coat the chicken and bake into a sticky, flavorful finish.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared sheet pan. Pour half of the glaze over the chicken and thoroughly coat each piece, ensuring the flavors soak in. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting later to intensify the caramelized coating.
Step 4: Bake and Baste
Bake the chicken for 25 minutes in your preheated oven. At about the halfway mark (around 12 minutes), use a brush or spoon to baste the chicken with the remaining glaze, giving it an irresistible layer of sticky sweetness.
Step 5: Crisp the Skin
For that ultimate crispy finish, switch your oven to broil at the end and cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye so the glaze doesn’t burn, just beautifully caramelizes into a golden crust.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, leaving the meat tender and moist. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch before serving.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a lovely contrast to the rich maple glaze. You could also try a few crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a zesty kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp, green salad. For a wholesome family meal, serve it alongside garlic butter green beans or roasted sweet potatoes to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, arrange the maple glazed chicken thighs on a large platter sprinkled with fresh herbs. Add lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over. Alternatively, slice the thighs and serve over cooked quinoa or rice bowls topped with avocado slices and a drizzle of extra glaze for a trendy, wholesome meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, so leftovers taste even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can, to preserve the crispy skin and rich glaze texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work, just adjust the cooking time slightly as they tend to cook faster—usually about 18-20 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey is a decent alternative for sweetness and glaze, though maple syrup’s unique flavor truly makes this recipe special.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the glaze for up to 4 hours ahead of time in the refrigerator. This will deepen the flavor and make the cooking process even easier.
What side dishes go best with this chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a light salad all make excellent accompaniments that balance the richness of the maple glazed chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that won’t compromise on flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dinners because it hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, sticky, and crispy. Plus, it’s perfectly simple to prepare, making it a winner no matter your schedule. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily this cozy, crowd-pleasing dish becomes a favorite in your home too.
Print
Sheet Pan Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sheet Pan Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy maple glaze. Perfectly baked and finished under the broiler for a crispy top, this easy one-pan meal offers a delicious balance of flavors and minimal cleanup, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
Maple Glaze
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Coat the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Pour half of the maple glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting later.
- Bake the chicken: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the remaining glaze to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Broil for crispiness: For a crispy, caramelized top, switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, then serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and moisture retention.
- Adjust the baking time slightly if using boneless chicken thighs to avoid overcooking.
- Keep a close eye during broiling as the sugar in the glaze can burn quickly.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
