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- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard The main ingredients bring out rich flavors. The chicken thighs provide a juicy base. Skin-on thighs keep them moist during cooking. Maple syrup adds sweetness, balancing the tang of Dijon mustard. This blend creates a delicious sauce that coats the chicken. - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari - 1 teaspoon dried thyme Adding garlic enhances the dish with savory notes. Soy sauce or tamari gives a salty depth. Dried thyme adds a hint of earthiness. These optional ingredients allow you to customize the flavor. - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped Paprika gives a warm color and mild flavor. Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing all the tastes. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Use these seasonings to elevate your meal. They make it appealing and delicious. - Whisking the Sauce Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Add 1/3 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend well. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick to the dish. - Coating the Chicken Next, take your 6 chicken thighs and lay them in the slow cooker, skin-side up. Pour the maple Dijon sauce all over the chicken. Make sure every piece is well-coated. This step is key to infusing flavor into the meat as it cooks. - Slow Cooking Methods You can cook the chicken on the low or high setting. For the best results, use the low setting. This allows the chicken to become tender and soak up more flavors. - Recommended Cooking Times Cook the chicken on low for 6 to 7 hours. If you are short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. Always check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The meat should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. - Plating the Dish Once the chicken is cooked, carefully move the thighs to a plate. Drizzle the thickened sauce from the slow cooker on top. This adds a beautiful shine and flavor burst. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish. - Sauce Thickening Tips If you want a thicker sauce, transfer it to a saucepan after cooking. Simmer it over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. This will help it reduce and thicken nicely, making it perfect for drizzling over the chicken. To get tender chicken, use bone-in, skin-on thighs. The bone adds flavor and moisture. Always cook on low heat. This method breaks down tough fibers. It makes the chicken juicy and soft. Avoid opening the lid too much. Each time you peek, you let heat escape. Stick to the cooking time. Overcooking can dry out your chicken. Adding vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. Try carrots, onions, or bell peppers. Place them under the chicken in the slow cooker. They soak up the sauce and add depth. You can also use alternative seasonings. Try honey instead of maple syrup for a different taste. Or, add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it on the stove. Pour the sauce into a pan after cooking. Heat it on medium for 5-7 minutes. Stir often to avoid burning. For serving, consider pairing the chicken with rice or mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the sauce well. You can also add a fresh salad for balance. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal. {{image_2}} Using Chicken Breasts You can swap chicken thighs for breasts. Breasts are leaner and cook faster. Use the same sauce for flavor. They will be ready in about 4 hours on low. This change adds a different texture but keeps the taste. Vegetarian Adaptations For a vegetarian twist, try tofu or chickpeas. Marinate them in the same maple Dijon sauce. Cook them in the slow cooker for about 3-4 hours. This option gives you a rich flavor without meat. Sweet and Spicy Adjustments If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Mix these into the sauce for a sweet and spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some cayenne on the chicken before cooking. This change adds depth to the dish. Different Mustards to Try Experiment with different mustards. Honey mustard or whole grain mustard can change the flavor. Each mustard brings its unique taste, making the dish exciting. Just remember to keep the same amount for balance. Incorporating International Ingredients Add a global flair by mixing in soy sauce or ginger. These ingredients can take the dish to a whole new level. You might also use miso paste for a deeper umami flavor. Each twist brings a new experience to your meal. Regional Spices Try adding spices from different cultures. For instance, use cumin for a Middle Eastern vibe. Or, add curry powder for an Indian twist. These spices can transform your chicken while keeping it flavorful and fun. - To store leftovers, place chicken thighs in an airtight container. - The dish lasts up to three days in the fridge. - For freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil. - Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. - To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Cook at 350°F until heated through. - Use leftover sauce to marinate vegetables or drizzle over grains. - Shred chicken for tacos or salads. - For meal prep, make a double batch. Store portions in separate containers for easy meals. Can I use skinless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. They will cook well in the slow cooker. The sauce will still add great flavor, even without the skin. However, skin-on thighs give more richness and moisture. How can I thicken the sauce without cooking? To thicken the sauce without cooking, you can mix cornstarch with a little cold water. Stir this mixture into the sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes. It will thicken up nicely without needing heat. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. What can I substitute for Dijon mustard? You can use yellow mustard as a substitute. It has a milder taste, but it will still work. Alternatively, try whole grain mustard for a different texture and flavor. What sides pair well with this dish? This dish goes well with rice or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. The sides will balance the sweet and tangy flavors. How can I adjust the spice level? To adjust the spice level, add more paprika for heat or some red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy mustard instead of Dijon for an extra kick. Enjoy finding your perfect flavor! This blog post shows you how to make a tasty dish with chicken thighs. The main ingredients include chicken, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. I shared tips for tender meat and ways to enhance flavors. You can also adapt this recipe with different proteins and spices. With these easy steps, you can create a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. Experiment and enjoy the cooking process!

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs with this easy and incredible recipe! Made with bone-in chicken thighs, pure maple syrup, and zesty Dijon mustard, this dish will become a family favorite. Perfectly cooked in your slow cooker, it's tender and bursting with flavor. Click through to discover how to make this delicious meal that will impress everyone at the dinner table!
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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, minced

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

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, soy sauce, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

    Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, skin-side up.

      Pour the maple Dijon mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated.

        Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

          Once cooked, carefully transfer the chicken thighs to a plate. If desired, pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat to thicken for about 5-7 minutes.

            Serve the chicken thighs drizzled with the thickened sauce, garnished with chopped parsley.

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