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- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also swap maple syrup with honey for a different sweet flavor. If you want less fat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This option still turns out juicy and tasty. For a unique twist, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano instead of thyme. Each serving includes approximately: - Calories: 370 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 28g - Fat: 16g - Fiber: 1g - Sugar: 12g This meal is rich in protein and has a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a great choice for a healthy dinner. To start, grab a mixing bowl. Add the following ingredients: - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. The goal is to mix flavors well. The sweet maple and tangy mustard create a great base. Now, take your slow cooker. Place 6 chicken thighs inside, skin-side up. This helps make the skin crispy. Make sure the thighs fit snugly but are not crowded. This allows for even cooking. Next, pour the marinade over the chicken. Be sure each piece is well coated. This step is key for flavor. Cover the slow cooker tightly with its lid. Set the cooker to “Low” for 6-7 hours or “High” for 3-4 hours. Check the chicken’s temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. When finished, the chicken will be tender and juicy. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate using tongs. For extra flavor, you can thicken the remaining sauce. Simply simmer it in a saucepan for about 5-7 minutes. Pour this sauce over the chicken before serving. Enjoy this savory dish! To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start with skin-on pieces. This keeps the moisture in while cooking. Place the thighs skin-side up in the slow cooker. If you want extra crispiness, you can sear them in a hot pan before slow cooking. Just cook them for a few minutes on each side. This helps to get that nice golden color. For the best flavor, coat the chicken well with the maple Dijon mixture. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend. If you can, let it marinate overnight in the fridge. This allows the garlic and spices to really soak in. Also, make sure to pour any leftover sauce over the chicken before serving. These chicken thighs pair great with rice or mashed potatoes. The rich sauce complements the creamy texture of both. You can also serve it with a side of green beans or a fresh salad. For extra flair, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy! {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, and green beans work great. Simply chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the slow cooker with the chicken. They will soak up the tasty sauce as they cook. Plus, you’ll have a complete meal! If you want a different flavor, try using honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. Each sweetener brings its own twist. Honey adds a floral note, while agave gives a mild sweetness. Adjust the amount to your taste. You might find a new favorite! Boost the flavor by adding spices. Rosemary works well with chicken and adds a fresh taste. Garlic powder gives a nice kick, enhancing the savory profile. You can also try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat. Mix and match spices to find your perfect blend! After enjoying your meal, let the chicken cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you can’t finish it, don’t worry! This dish stores well and keeps its flavor. To reheat, use the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. This keeps it moist. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust cooking time to about 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. The flavor will still shine through, but you may miss some of that rich, juicy texture from the bones. The best way to check if the chicken is done is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink. Yes, you can cook this recipe on the stovetop. Start by searing the chicken thighs in a pan for extra flavor. Then, add the maple Dijon mixture and cover. Simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes. Make sure to check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked. This article covered everything you need to know for a great chicken dish. We went through the ingredients, tips for cooking, and ways to make it your own. You learned about storage and how to reheat your leftovers. Remember, you can swap ingredients to fit your needs. Follow these steps, and you will enjoy a tasty meal. Keep experimenting with flavors, textures, and servings. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

Savor the flavors of Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs with this easy and delicious recipe! Using just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Follow our step-by-step instructions for tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich maple Dijon sauce. Ready to elevate your dinner routine? Click through to explore this delightful recipe and impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, soy sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

    Take your slow cooker and arrange the chicken thighs in it, ensuring they are positioned skin-side up for optimal crispiness.

      Pour the maple Dijon mixture generously over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor infusion.

        Securely cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the “Low” setting for 6-7 hours or on “High” for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is exceptionally tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

          When cooking is complete, use tongs to gently transfer the chicken thighs onto a serving plate. If desired, pour the remaining sauce into a medium saucepan and heat over medium, allowing it to simmer and thicken for approximately 5-7 minutes.

            Serve the succulent chicken thighs drizzled with the rich, thickened sauce, and finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, flavorful touch.

              - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 6-7 hours | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, and garnish each plate with a sprig of parsley and a drizzle of the delicious sauce.