Maple-Mustard Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brushed with a sticky maple and Dijon mustard glaze, delivering sweet and tangy flavors with a smoky finish. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 31 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 16 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Place chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken thighs and brush the maple-mustard glaze generously over the cooked side. Grill for another 6-8 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 2 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and glaze to set.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Mustard Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 31 minutes (15 min prep + 16 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-Mustard Glazed Grilled 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 pure maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Mustard Glazed Grilled 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-Mustard Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs 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-Mustard Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs?

American grilling 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.

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