There’s something wonderfully comforting about the combination of maple syrup and orange — sweet, tangy, and slightly caramelized when roasted. Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters is one of those dishes that instantly feels gourmet yet simple enough for a weekday meal. The glaze coats the chicken beautifully, giving it a glossy, sticky finish that makes every bite irresistible. I first tried this recipe on a chilly evening, pairing it with roasted vegetables and mashed sweet potatoes — it was a perfect harmony of flavors. The subtle sweetness of maple syrup combined with zesty orange creates a rich balance that highlights the chicken’s natural juiciness. Whether you’re hosting a small dinner or looking for a comforting family meal, this recipe offers both elegance and heartiness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that requires minimal ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality results. The glaze caramelizes as it bakes, forming a crispy, flavorful skin, while the inside remains moist and tender. It’s also versatile — great for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
Print
Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters – A Sweet and Savory Dinner Delight
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters are a savory-sweet masterpiece featuring crispy roasted chicken glazed with a luscious blend of maple syrup, fresh orange juice, garlic, and herbs. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating juicy, golden-brown chicken perfect for any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken leg quarters (about 2 1/2 lbs total)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- Fresh orange slices and thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with foil and lightly grease it.
- Pat chicken quarters dry with paper towels and place them on the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Brush half of the glaze mixture generously over the chicken.
- Roast the chicken for 20 minutes, then brush with more glaze.
- Continue roasting for another 25–30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- During the last 5 minutes, brush with the remaining glaze and let it caramelize.
- Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with orange slices and thyme sprigs before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks if preferred.
- For a spicy kick, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- This glaze also works wonderfully on pork chops or salmon.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or wild rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken leg quarters – The star of the dish, these cuts are juicy and flavorful, especially when roasted. The skin crisps up perfectly while the meat stays tender.
Maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the chicken’s surface. I tried this once with pure maple syrup and once with a maple blend — the pure version gives a deeper, richer flavor.
Orange juice – Brings brightness and tang, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup. Freshly squeezed juice gives the best result.
Orange zest – Enhances the citrus flavor and gives a refreshing aroma that pairs perfectly with the maple glaze.
Soy sauce – Provides saltiness and umami depth to the glaze, ensuring it’s not overly sweet.
Garlic cloves – Crushed or minced, they infuse a subtle sharpness that complements the glaze.
Olive oil – Helps the glaze coat the chicken evenly and ensures crisp, golden-brown skin.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning; they elevate all the flavors in the dish.
Fresh thyme or rosemary – Adds a touch of earthy aroma, making the dish feel elegant and aromatic.
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels — this step helps the skin crisp up during baking.
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the glaze slightly thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Brush the chicken generously with the glaze, ensuring every surface is coated. Arrange the pieces skin-side up on the prepared tray. Season with salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary. Roast for 40–45 minutes, basting halfway through with more glaze.
The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is beautifully caramelized. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the top for a glossy finish.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 55 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 45 minutes of baking time.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of orange juice to keep it moist.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Maple Glaze
Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a touch of heat.
Herb-Infused Delight
Incorporate sage, oregano, or thyme into the glaze for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Honey Orange Substitute
If you’re out of maple syrup, honey makes a great alternative. It gives a slightly floral sweetness that works beautifully.
Citrus Explosion
Use a combination of orange and lemon juice for a more complex citrus flavor.
Grilled Version
Instead of baking, try grilling the chicken quarters over medium heat for that smoky charred flavor.
Vegetarian Twist
Use the glaze on roasted cauliflower or tofu for a plant-based option.
Balsamic Touch
Add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to deepen the glaze’s complexity.
Ginger Kick
Stir in freshly grated ginger for a zesty warmth that complements the citrus.
Garlic-Lovers’ Style
Double the garlic for a more pronounced savory punch.
Smoky Maple Variation
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to infuse subtle smokiness.
FAQs
What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?
Chicken leg quarters are ideal because they stay moist during roasting and hold the glaze beautifully.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to about 25–30 minutes since boneless cuts cook faster.
Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
What sides go well with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or mashed sweet potatoes.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, sear the chicken first, then simmer it in the glaze until fully cooked.
How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?
Make sure the chicken is patted dry before glazing and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
You can, but pure maple syrup offers a richer, more authentic taste.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure to use two baking trays to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters brings a touch of sophistication to your dinner table without requiring complicated techniques. The sweetness of maple syrup and the brightness of orange create a perfect glaze that turns an ordinary chicken dish into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe guarantees a flavorful, satisfying meal that everyone will remember.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!