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Caramelized Maple Glazed Chicken | 35-Min Cozy Fall Family Dinner

Easy Caramelized Maple Glazed Chicken 35 Min Dinner

Maple glazed chicken with sweet maple flavors makes an easy fall family dinner. Try this quick weeknight recipe ready in 35 minutes. Discover comfort food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb chicken pieces (thighs and breasts work equally well)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels, then season all sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Let seasoned chicken rest for 3 minutes while you prep remaining ingredients.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Working in batches if necessary, place chicken skin-side down in the hot pan and sear without moving for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Flip chicken pieces and sear the other side for 4-5 minutes until golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside while you build the glaze base.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then sauté sliced onion and minced garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. This aromatics base creates the foundation for your maple glazed chicken recipe's signature depth.
  5. Whisk together pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet with onions. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes as the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the glaze and adding chicken broth around (not over) the chicken. Scatter fresh thyme over top, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  7. Whisk cornstarch and water together to create a slurry, then stir into the simmering glaze for 1-2 minutes until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon. This glazed chicken will now cling beautifully to each piece.