Maple Glazed Chicken with Crispy Bacon 🍁🥓

Sweet, savory, and downright irresistible—this dish brings bold Southern comfort to the dinner table. Juicy chicken thighs (or breasts) are seared to perfection, then oven-baked in a sticky maple-Dijon glaze with fresh herbs and garlic. Finished with a generous crumble of crispy bacon, it’s the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy. Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests—this recipe is pure comfort food magic.

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% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 6–8 minutes).

Step 2

Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.

Step 3

Season chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Optional Tip: For chicken breasts, slice in half lengthwise or gently pound to even thickness to prevent drying.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 6

Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 7

In a bowl, whisk together: ½ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp chopped thyme or rosemary

Step 8

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9

Place seared chicken in the oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Brush generously with maple glaze to coat all sides. Optional Tip: Reserve a bit of glaze to baste again halfway through baking.

Step 10

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and glaze is bubbling.

Step 11

Crumble the cooked bacon over the glazed chicken. Return to oven and bake 5 more minutes to meld flavors and slightly crisp the top.

Step 12

Let the chicken rest briefly. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad all work great!