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Flavorful Maple Chipotle Grilled Chicken Thighs Easy Sweet Heat Recipe

maple chipotle grilled chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and smoky maple chipotle sauce, grilled to perfection with a sticky caramelized crust. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp smoked chipotle powder
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle in adobo sauce instead of chipotle powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, smoked chipotle powder, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust chipotle powder to taste.
  2. Marinate the Chicken (at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours): Pat dry chicken thighs. Place in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour marinade over. Massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate while marinating.
  3. Preheat the Grill (10 minutes): Light grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). Clean and oil grates.
  4. Grill the Chicken (20-25 minutes): Place chicken skin-side down on grill. Cook 8-10 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is caramelized.
  5. Rest the Chicken (5 minutes): Remove from grill and let rest tented with foil to redistribute juices.
  6. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before marinating for extra crispiness. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning the maple syrup sugars. Marinate no longer than 2 hours to prevent mushy texture. Flip chicken only once during grilling. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet indoors.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple chipotle chicken, grilled chicken thighs, sweet and smoky chicken, easy grilled chicken, summer barbecue recipe, quick dinner, family-friendly chicken

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/flavorful-maple-chipotle-grilled-chicken-thighs-easy-sweet-heat-recipe/