Description
A budget-friendly, single-serving sheet pan dinner featuring caramelized chicken thighs with a sticky sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze. It requires minimal prep, offers easy cleanup, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor for under $5.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 350g total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and soy sauce to create the glaze.
- Place chicken thighs on the prepared pan, skin-side up. Drizzle with olive oil and rub in. Spoon half of the glaze over the chicken, coating the skin evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, flip the chicken, and brush the remaining glaze over the chicken, getting under the skin where possible.
- Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and glaze is caramelized.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Patting the chicken skin dry is crucial for crispiness. Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for better flavor. If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce cook time by 5-7 minutes. Watch the last few minutes of baking closely as sugar burns easily; cover with foil if glaze gets too dark. Save the pan juices to use as a dip or sauce.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 28
Keywords: sheet pan dinner, chicken thighs, maple dijon, easy dinner, budget meals, cooking for one, healthy dinner, gluten-free option