Maple Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Maple Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs, a dish that elegantly balances sweet and tangy notes. This recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious sauce of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. A hint of cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of kick, while creamy peanut butter ensures a velvety texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, serve this dish alongside your favorite sides to impress family and friends with a delightful culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 (trimmed)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
paprika
3/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
thyme
3/4 teaspoon (dried for seasoning)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
chicken broth
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (low-sodium preferred)
maple syrup
1/3 cup (pure)
balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup (preferably aged)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
chunky peanut butter
3 tablespoons (to add richness to the sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the boneless skinless chicken thighs evenly with salt, paprika, and thyme on both sides.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
3
Once browned, carefully pour in the chicken broth, followed by the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
4
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and allow the chicken to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender.
5
After simmering, transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a serving platter and keep them warm.
6
To enhance the sauce, whisk in the chunky peanut butter into the hot liquid remaining in the skillet. Continue to boil the sauce over medium-high heat, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
7
Finally, spoon the luscious maple balsamic sauce over the chicken thighs before serving. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Maple Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs.
What type of meat is used in this dish?
This dish uses 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
What dry seasonings are used to flavor the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, paprika, and dried thyme.
How do you prepare the chicken before cooking?
The chicken thighs should be trimmed and seasoned evenly on both sides.
What is the first step in cooking the chicken?
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown.
How long should you sear each side of the chicken?
Each side should be seared for approximately 2 minutes.
What kind of oil is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What are the primary liquids used for the glaze?
The glaze is made from chicken broth, pure maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar.
How much maple syrup is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup.
What type of balsamic vinegar is preferred?
An aged balsamic vinegar is preferred for this recipe.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Does this recipe have any spicy heat?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
How long does the chicken need to simmer?
The chicken should simmer for about 15 minutes.
Should the skillet be covered while the chicken simmers?
Yes, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low during the simmering process.
How do you know the chicken is ready to be removed from the pan?
The chicken is ready once it is fully cooked through and tender after the 15-minute simmer.
What is the secret ingredient used to thicken the sauce?
Chunky peanut butter is whisked into the sauce to add richness and thickness.
How much peanut butter is added to the glaze?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chunky peanut butter.
What texture does the peanut butter provide to the sauce?
It ensures the sauce has a velvety and rich texture.
How do you finish the sauce after removing the chicken?
Whisk in the peanut butter and boil the sauce uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
What is the target consistency for the glaze?
The sauce should be boiled until it thickens to your desired consistency.
How should the dish be served?
Spoon the luscious maple balsamic sauce over the chicken thighs on a serving platter.
What flavors define this chicken dish?
It is a balance of sweet and tangy notes with a hint of spice.
How much salt is used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of paprika.
How much thyme is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What type of chicken broth is recommended?
A 14.5 ounce can of low-sodium chicken broth is preferred.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
What are some suggested pairings for this dish?
The recipe suggests serving it alongside your favorite sides to complete the culinary experience.