Winsted Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet maple glaze with toasted pecans for a perfect weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp toasted pecans
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 3 minutes more.
- Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika in a small bowl. Pour mixture over chicken, nestling thyme sprigs between pieces.
- Step 4: Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 20-22 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and glaze has thickened into a glossy coating.
- Step 5: Scatter toasted pecans over chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Winsted Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Winsted Maple Glazed 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Winsted Maple Glazed 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 Winsted Maple Glazed 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 Winsted Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a new favorite for weeknight dinners.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured these - even the picky eaters!
- ★★★★★
The maple glaze was perfect, and the thighs were so juicy!
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