Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Vermont Apple Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brushed with a sweet maple glaze paired with a crisp, tangy apple slaw featuring local Vermont apples. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 1/3 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Season 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and charred, then flip and brush generously with half the maple glaze. Grill for 6-8 more minutes, brushing with remaining glaze once more, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1 large julienned green apple, 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage, 1 shredded medium carrot, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a bowl.
  5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Pour dressing over apple slaw and toss to combine.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled maple-glazed chicken thighs alongside the fresh apple slaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Vermont Apple Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Vermont Apple Slaw?

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 maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Vermont Apple Slaw?

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-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Vermont Apple Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs with Vermont Apple Slaw?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.