Ingredients

This recipe is all about simplicity, highlighting the magic that can happen with just a handful of quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor profile of this maple glazed chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Thighs (Boneless, Skinless): The star of the show! We recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and juiciness. They hold up beautifully to the glaze and cook quickly, making them perfect for a weeknight meal. You can also use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs tend to remain more moist and flavorful.
Pure Maple Syrup: This isn’t just any sweetener; pure maple syrup is the heart of the glaze, providing a rich, natural sweetness and a distinctive maple flavor that’s simply irresistible. Make sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best taste and depth of flavor. The real deal makes all the difference!
Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): The savory counterpoint to the maple syrup, soy sauce adds umami depth and a salty tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. Opting for low sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and ensures it doesn’t become overpowering. It also allows the other flavors to shine through.
Garlic (Minced): Aromatic and pungent, minced garlic brings a welcome savory bite and complexity to the glaze. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor, but pre-minced garlic from a jar can be a convenient shortcut for busy weeknights. Garlic is essential for cutting through the sweetness and adding a layer of savory goodness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This secret ingredient adds a touch of acidity that brightens the glaze and balances the sweetness and savoriness. Apple cider vinegar also helps to tenderize the chicken and create a beautifully glossy finish on the glaze. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with lemon juice for a similar tangy effect.

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Instructions

This recipe is designed for ease and speed, perfect for even the most hectic schedules. Follow these simple steps to create your own mouthwatering 5-Ingredient Maple Glazed Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) dry with paper towels. This step is important because removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown nicely and allows the glaze to adhere better. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. While the soy sauce will add saltiness, a little extra seasoning at this stage enhances the overall flavor.
Whisk the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a smooth and homogenous glaze. The aroma at this stage is already tantalizing!
Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For even more flavorful and tender chicken, pour the maple glaze over the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. While marinating is optional if you’re really pressed for time, it allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken deeply and results in a much more succulent and flavorful final dish.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking oil of your choice to the skillet. Once the skillet is hot and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken in a single layer in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of searing it. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Sear and Glaze: Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). As the chicken cooks, pour the remaining glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Let the glaze simmer and thicken, coating the chicken beautifully. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly and create a sticky, glossy finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sesame seeds (optional) if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 380
Protein: 35 grams