Sticky Maple Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs - Easy Dinner Recipe

If you want a dinner that combines crispy chicken edges with a sticky, flavorful glaze, this oven-baked maple soy chicken recipe is a perfect choice. It requires minimal effort but delivers big on taste. Whether you have an air fryer or just a conventional oven, this recipe adapts well and brings a glossy maple-garlic sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Serve it over rice with some veggies, and you have a complete meal ready in under an hour.

Oven-baked maple soy glazed chicken thighs with crispy edges

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Chicken and Marinade

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• Zest of 1 lemon

• ⅞ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

  
  

For the Sticky Maple Garlic Glaze

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup maple syrup

• ⅓ cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 3 tsp chili oil (Momofuku-style or similar)

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

  
  

How to Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour in the soy sauce, maple syrup, lemon zest, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to deepen the flavors. If not, you can bake it right away and still get great results.

Baking the Chicken for Crispy, Juicy Results

Using a Convection Oven (Best for Crispiness)

• Preheat your oven to 425°F with the convection setting.

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly oil it.

• Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the sheet.

• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

• Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are golden and crispy.

  
  

Using a Regular Oven

• Preheat your oven to 450°F.

• Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

• For extra browning, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

  
  

Making the Sticky Maple Garlic Glaze

While the chicken is baking, prepare the glaze. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. Then whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy and sticky.

Glazing and Serving Your Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, add it directly to the saucepan with the glaze or brush the glaze generously over the chicken on a tray. Turn the chicken to coat it fully in the sticky sauce. This step gives the chicken its signature shiny finish and rich flavor.

Serve the maple soy glazed chicken thighs over steamed rice and add your favorite vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish pairs well with simple steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Tips for Success and Variations

• Marinating time: Even a short marinade improves flavor, but 30 minutes or more lets the chicken soak up the maple and soy notes.

• Crispy skin alternative: If you prefer skin-on chicken thighs, you can use them instead. Adjust baking time accordingly and keep an eye on crispiness.

• Adjusting heat: The chili oil adds a subtle kick. Reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder glaze.

• Air fryer option: If you have an air fryer, cook the marinated chicken at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss in the glaze as described.

• Serving ideas: Try serving this chicken with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

  
  

This recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods can create a dish that feels special and satisfying. The balance of sweet maple syrup, salty soy sauce, and smoky paprika makes every bite memorable.