Ingredients
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
1/4 teaspoon ground fennel
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
1
Using paper towels, pat the chicken dry and trim off any excess fat. Place in a large resealable plastic bag or medium bowl with a lid.
2
In a medium bowl, stir together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and 2 tablespoons salt. Pour into the bag with the chicken, seal and refrigerate overnight or for at least 1 hour.
3
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pull the brined chicken out of the fridge, drain off the brine and pat the chicken dry. On a rimmed sheet pan, rub the chicken with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and the pepper.
4
Set it skin side up and roast for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the juices run clear when pierced and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
5
As the chicken roasts, make the glaze: Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, fennel, paprika and ½ cup water to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced and thickened enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
6
Brush the cooked thighs with the glaze and set under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute, keeping an eye on the glaze as it is quick to burn. Serve hot.