Maple-Dijon Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs with a sticky-sweet glaze made from pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard, served with roasted carrots. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch coins carrots
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 8-10 minutes until skin is deep golden and crispy, flipping once.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, swirling to dissolve. Add 2 medium carrots cut into 1-inch coins and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning carrots occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F internally and carrots are tender.
- Step 3: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 3 minutes. Spoon pan sauce over chicken and carrots, ensuring all pieces are coated. Serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Dijon Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Maple-Dijon Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep skin-on chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Dijon Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Dijon Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Maple-Dijon Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
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