Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? I’m Chef Maxine “Max” Delarue, the bold culinary rebel from Maxivore.com, and I’m about to transform your ordinary chicken thighs into an EPIC flavor explosion. This Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Thighs is the ultimate dinner that’s going to have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, my friends!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Thighs
This dish is an absolute showstopper, y’all! The combination of smoky, savory bacon, the sweet and tangy maple glaze, and the juicy, tender chicken thighs is completely irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, it’s a breeze to make, so you can whip up this sensational meal any night of the week. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave your family and friends begging for more. This Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Thighs is about to become your new go-to dinner that will have everyone talking!
Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather up the epic ingredients we need to make this Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Thighs! You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Get ready to turn these humble ingredients into a legendary dish that will blow your mind!
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks (cooking time may vary)
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Thighs
Let’s dive into the easy steps to make this flavor-packed dish, my friends!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 400°F. While that’s heating up, grab your chicken thighs and pat them dry with some paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Now, let’s get the bacon ready! Slice that thick-cut bacon into 1-inch pieces and get them sizzling in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Alright, now it’s time to add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, to the bacon-y skillet. Let them sear and get nice and golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Flip the thighs and transfer the whole skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for about 20 minutes, until it’s cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and smoked paprika. This is your insanely delicious glaze, my friends! Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and spoon that sticky, finger-lickin’ good glaze all over the thighs. Make sure to get it in all the nooks and crannies.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Lastly, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces back over the glazed chicken thighs. This is where the magic really happens, y’all! The smoky bacon and the sweet, tangy glaze come together in a flavor explosion that’s out of this world.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swap the Protein: Use drumsticks or a whole chicken cut into pieces instead of chicken thighs.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the glaze for an extra kick.
- Caramelized Glaze: Broil the glazed chicken for 2-3 minutes to get a sticky, shiny, and crispy finish.
- Experiment with Mustards: Try using honey mustard or whole-grain Dijon for different flavor profiles.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly again.
Make-Ahead: The chicken can be prepped and the glaze can be made a day in advance. Just assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Hold onto your taste buds, because this Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Thighs is not only insanely delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients! Each serving (1 chicken thigh) contains around 300 calories, 20 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, and 12 grams of carbs. The bacon and chicken provide a solid dose of protein, while the maple syrup and brown sugar add a touch of sweetness. Plus, the smoked paprika and garlic bring in some antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. This dish is a true flavor sensation that’s also good for your body – what more could you ask for?
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! If that’s what you have on hand, go for it. The cooking time may be a bit shorter, so keep an eye on them in the oven. Just remember, the skin and bone-in thighs will give you that extra juicy and flavorful result.
Do I have to use thick-cut bacon?
Nope, you can use regular bacon if that’s what you prefer. Just keep in mind that the thick-cut bacon will give you those nice, meaty, and crispy bacon bits to sprinkle on top.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You bet! The chicken thighs can be prepped and the glaze can be made a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake. This makes for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Absolutely! While the apple cider vinegar adds a nice subtle tang, you can swap it out for white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar if you’d like to change up the flavor profile.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and reduce the amount of bacon or eliminate it altogether. You can also try substituting the maple syrup with a sugar-free syrup or honey. Just remember, the bacon and the glaze are what make this dish so insanely delicious, so enjoy it in moderation!
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Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Thighs are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1/2 cup maple syrup
4 slices of bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.
3. 2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
4.
5. 3. In the same skillet, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
6.
7. 4. Flip the chicken thighs and add the maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
8.
9. 5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
10.
11. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
12.
13. 7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top before serving.
14.
15. 8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the maple syrup mixture for a few hours before cooking.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, maple, glazed