Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters Recipe

Introduction

This Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy chicken leg quarters are marinated in a vibrant blend of maple syrup, orange juice, and soy sauce, then roasted to tender perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that brightens up any dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2.2 pounds (about 1 kilogram) chicken leg quarters
• 3 oranges, thinly sliced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• Juice of 2 oranges
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ⅓ cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, and red chili flakes until smooth and glossy.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken leg quarters to the marinade, turning each piece to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 390°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
4. Step 4: Arrange a layer of orange slices across the lined sheet pan. Place the marinated chicken leg quarters on top of the orange slices, then pour the remaining marinade over the meat.
5. Step 5: Scatter the remaining orange slices and thyme sprigs around the pan.
6. Step 6: Dampen a large piece of parchment paper and lay it loosely over the chicken. Bake covered for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
7. Step 7: Remove the parchment cover, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken, and roast uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the chicken is golden and edges are caramelized.
8. Step 8: Transfer the roasted chicken to a platter, drizzle with the sticky orange glaze from the pan, and garnish with roasted orange slices and fresh thyme sprigs before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• For extra heat, increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Letting the chicken marinate overnight will deepen the flavor and improve tenderness.
• You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in an oven preheated to 350°F until heated through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the meat. Leftover glaze can be spooned over the reheated chicken to restore moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without fresh thyme?

Yes, if you don’t have fresh thyme, you can omit it or substitute with dried thyme—use about one-third the amount. Alternatively, fresh rosemary or oregano can work well as flavorful substitutes.

Is it necessary to cover the chicken while baking?

Covering the chicken during the first hour helps retain moisture and allows the flavors to develop deeply. Removing the cover toward the end helps the skin brown and caramelize for a delicious finish.

Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters Recipe

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Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters are a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken leg quarters are marinated in a vibrant mixture of fresh orange juice, pure maple syrup, soy sauce, and a hint of chili flakes, then oven-baked on a bed of fresh orange slices and thyme. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a beautifully caramelized glaze that’s irresistibly delicious and perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 2.2 pounds (about 1 kilogram) chicken leg quarters
• 3 oranges, thinly sliced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

For the Marinade

• Juice of 2 oranges
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ⅓ cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, pure maple syrup, soy sauce, and red chili flakes until the mixture is smooth and glossy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken leg quarters to the bowl with the marinade, turning each piece to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the chicken to absorb the vibrant flavors deeply.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 390°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
4. Assemble the Dish: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced oranges across the parchment-lined sheet pan. Lay the marinated chicken leg quarters on top of the orange slices, then pour the remaining marinade evenly over the chicken. Scatter the remaining orange slices and fresh thyme sprigs around the pan to infuse extra aroma and flavor during baking.
5. Bake Covered: Dampen a large piece of parchment paper and lay it loosely over the chicken and orange slices to cover. Bake for 1 hour, which will tenderize the chicken and let the flavors mingle beautifully.
6. Brown the Chicken: After 1 hour, remove the parchment cover carefully. Spoon some of the flavorful pan juices over the chicken to baste it. Return the pan to the oven and roast uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and the edges have caramelized nicely.
7. Serve: Transfer the roasted chicken leg quarters to a serving platter. Drizzle with the sticky orange glaze from the pan and garnish with some roasted orange slices and fresh thyme sprigs for an appetizing presentation and extra flavor.

Notes

• Marinating overnight yields the best flavor and juiciness for the chicken.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Ensure the parchment paper cover is loosely laid to allow steam to escape during baking.
• Pair this dish with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Chicken quarters, maple glaze, orange marinade, baked chicken, sweet and savory chicken, roasted chicken, maple syrup chicken, citrus chicken