Spicy Maple Glazed Fall Chicken

Spicy Maple Glazed Fall Chicken

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy some comfort food with a little kick of heat. This Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken combines the warmth of fall flavors with the spicy zing of Charlie's hot sauce. It's a perfect dish to warm you up on a crisp autumn evening.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Spicy Maple Glaze:

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Charlie's hot sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.

  4. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden.

  5. While the chicken is searing, in a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, hot sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This will be your spicy maple glaze.

  6. Flip the chicken thighs over in the skillet, then pour the spicy maple glaze over them.

  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  8. Baste the chicken with the glaze a couple of times during the last 10 minutes of cooking to build up a flavorful, spicy, and sticky glaze.

  9. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze has thickened, remove the skillet from the oven. Be careful; the handle is hot!

  10. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon some of the delicious glaze from the skillet over the top.

  11. Serve your Spicy Maple Glazed Fall Chicken with your favorite fall sides, like roasted butternut squash, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance out the heat.

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors in this delightful fall-inspired dish. It's sure to warm you up on those chilly autumn nights!