Prepare to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that will make your taste buds dance: Maple Cinnamon Chicken! Imagine tender, crispy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and warming maple-cinnamon marinade that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that blends classic American flavors with restaurant-quality technique, all achievable in your very own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform marinade.
- Pat chicken thighs dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and crispy skin.
- Brush each chicken thigh with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage on both sides.
- Pour half of the maple-cinnamon mixture over the chicken, coating each piece evenly. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of additional olive oil if needed.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and brush with remaining maple-cinnamon mixture. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry meat.
- Moisture Management: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step guarantees a perfect crispy skin and beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Pan Selection: Use a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan for the best heat retention and most even cooking results.
- Basting is Key: Don't skip basting with the maple-cinnamon mixture—it builds layers of flavor and creates a gorgeous, glossy finish.
- Internal Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting Period: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 304kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 23g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
