Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Maple Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs coated in a sweet and warming spiced maple syrup glaze that balances savory and sweet perfectly. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, ground black pepper, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, rubbing the spices evenly into the skin.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy, then flip and cook an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup maple syrup with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the maple glaze evenly over the chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken continuously until it thickens and coats the meat, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, spooning any remaining glaze over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Maple Glaze?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Maple Glaze?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Maple Glaze 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Maple Glaze?

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.

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