Description
A cozy fall dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with a sweet and savory maple garlic marinade. Perfect for quick, comforting meals with a sophisticated twist.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
- 6–8 thick-cut bacon strips
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Wrap each chicken thigh with a slice of bacon.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, bacon side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until bacon starts to crisp and caramelize. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
- If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer chicken to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and bacon is crispy and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Broil for 2-3 minutes if bacon needs extra crispiness. Thick-cut bacon crisps better without shrinking. Maple syrup brand affects flavor quality. Can substitute honey for maple syrup. Use turkey bacon for a leaner option. Fresh thyme preferred but dried thyme can be used in smaller quantity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 28
Keywords: maple garlic chicken, bacon chicken, fall dinner, cozy dinner, easy chicken recipe, maple syrup chicken, garlic chicken, bacon wrapped chicken