Sweet and savory come together beautifully in this Maple Baked Apple Chicken recipe, a comforting dish perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Tender, golden-seared chicken thighs are baked alongside juicy apple slices and coated in a luscious marinade of pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of cinnamon. Fresh rosemary and garlic add aromatic depth, while the addition of chicken broth ensures a perfectly caramelized glaze. The dish is easy to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining. Serve this autumn-inspired creation with mashed potatoes, rice, or warm crusty bread to soak up the rich, sweet-and-tangy sauce.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken and apples.
Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with half of the salt and pepper.
Slice the apples into thin wedges, discarding the core and seeds.
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, garlic, the remaining salt and pepper, and cinnamon to create the marinade.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2 minutes per side in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until lightly golden but not cooked through. Remove and place in the prepared baking dish.
Arrange the apple slices around the chicken in the dish.
Pour the maple marinade evenly over the chicken and apples, ensuring everything is coated. Add the chicken broth to the baking dish to prevent the sauce from thickening too much during cooking.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the apples are tender.
Optional: Broil on high for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the surface.
Serve the chicken thighs with the apples and spoon the sweet and savory sauce over the top. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread for a hearty meal.
Serving size | 1036.8 grams (1036.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1503 |
Total Fat 75.60g | 97% |
Saturated Fat 16.60g | 83% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
Cholesterol 500mg | 167% |
Sodium 3346mg | 145% |
Total Carbohydrate 99.70g | 36% |
Dietary Fiber 10.50g | 38% |
Total Sugars 74.30g | |
Protein 107.20g | 214% |
Vitamin D 28IU | 140% |
Calcium 146mg | 11% |
Iron 6mg | 31% |
Potassium 1655mg | 35% |
Source of Calories