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