Print

Crispy One-Skillet Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe for Easy Roasted Apples

crispy maple dijon chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy one-skillet meal featuring crispy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce, roasted alongside caramelized apples for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
  • 2 medium-sized firm apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced into wedges
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze. Set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in an oven-safe 12-inch skillet. When the oil shimmers, place chicken thighs skin side down and cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until skin is deep golden brown.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
  6. Brush the glaze all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin if possible.
  7. Arrange apple wedges around the chicken in the skillet and tuck in sprigs of fresh thyme if using. Season apples lightly with salt and pepper.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and apples are tender and caramelized.
  9. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve directly from the skillet with roasted apples spooned over or beside the chicken.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before cooking is essential for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer chicken and apples to a baking dish after glazing. Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to preserve crispiness. You can swap apples with pears or quinces. For extra crispiness, dust chicken skin lightly with almond flour. Add smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, maple Dijon glaze, roasted apples, one-skillet meal, crispy chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten-free, dairy-free