This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Early summer is probably the busiest time of year for us. This year is no exception.
We both have to work every day of course, but in addition to that, there is a ton of stuff to do to get the gardens in shape. Larry moved the entire vegetable garden last fall, to rest the old space for a couple years with cover crops. So he is even busier than normal making sure it is ready to plant.
In addition, he had to throw together a brood house because one of our hens decided she wanted to hatch some eggs, and the tiny babies can’t stay in the big coop until they get bigger, so the Mom and her babies need a safe place to live. It will be nice not to have to buy any pullets this year, but it definitely wasn’t planned.
And then there is our new granddaughter – I will be going down to stay with our younger daughter and her family when her husband goes back to work next week, so I had to try to get some blog posts done ahead of time, get my herb garden all planted and get all of the decorative pots for the porch and garden done. I did hire some young guys to do a lot of the major work in the biggest flower garden, but I even needed to get the last touches on that done myself.
With all of that going on, I don’t want to spend any more time in the kitchen than I have to. We aren’t above an occasional take out pizza from town, but for the most part, I am throwing something together at the last minute. Preferably something that isn’t going to take much thought or tending. This chicken is the perfect answer for days like that.
We always make sure to get a gallon of dark maple syrup from our neighbor Jeffrey. It does not get any more local than that when it comes to food – we can see his sap house from our front porch! Darker grades of syrup have more flavor, so look for grade B if you can find it. I am also addicted to chipotle hot sauces. There are quite a few different brands out there, with the most common ones probably being Tabasco and Cholula. You want that smokey jalapeno bite to balance the sweet maple in here.
I used thighs for this batch, but you can use any chicken pieces you like – bone in, skin on is best, because then the chicken won’t get dried out. It just gets a 30 minute soak in the sauce, then straight to the oven.
Chipotle Maple Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 bone in skin on chicken pieces, trimmed of excess fat and patted dry
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons chipotle hot sauce
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a bowl large enough t hold the chicken pieces, whisk together the maple syrup, hot sauce, salt and garlic powder.
- Put the chicken pieces in the sauce, turning to coat. Cover the bowl, and allow to sit for 30 minutes, on the counter.
- After 30 minutes, turn the oven to 400º, and line a heavy baking sheet with foil.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on the sheet pan so that they aren't touching, and baste with some of the sauce.
- Roast for 20 minutes, and baste again, using all of the remaining sauce.
- Continue to cook, basting with pan juices every 10 to 15 minutes, for a total time of around an hour. The internal temperature should be about 160º when you take it out - it will cook a little more as it rests.
- If the skin did not crisp up enough for you, you can place the pan under the broiler for a few minutes, but watch it carefully, because the sugar content of the maple syrup can cause it to burn rather quickly.
- Remove to serving plate, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes, and then serve. Refrigerate leftovers
Add a side of rice [try boiling the rice with an extra half recipe of the sauce added to the cooking water!] and a salad or green veggie and dinner is ready. Juicy, spicy-sweet and so good!
Chicken Stroganoff
Turkey Stuffed Delicata Squash
Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli
Kale & Spicy Sausage Soup
Italian Meatballs
Buttermilk Sriracha Chicken Burgers
Vermicelli with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs
Zucchini and Black Bean Quesadillas
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup with Dill
Creamy Vegan Zucchini Dill Soup
Wow, you guys have TONS going on. Congratulations on the new family member. That is great news. I sincerely applaud your husband’s garden work. Crop rotation and cover crops are the way to go, no doubt about it. It’s a funny thing, but I grew up in the fifties, and I vividly remember learning about crop rotation. Mind you, I grew up in Los Angeles – far from farming territory, but back then crop rotation was a key to success, so much so that it was part of the elementary school curriculum – even in urban areas. Now with the advent of industrial farming, it is almost a relic of the past. What a pity it is. So kudos to your husband who does it right. Let us hope that the tide turns back to the old ways. It is so much better for the earth.,
Let’s see some pix of those chicks! I bet they are darling.
And this dish sounds great – easy to do and tasty! Have a wonderful week.
Thanks so much Adri – we have learned over the years that we really have to take care of our land, and we continue to learn more all the time. Organic gardening is not easy, but it is worth the trouble to do things right. Hoping to have a pic of the chicks in another few days – the first ones are due to hatch over the weekend, if we have counted correctly. 🙂
OMG – that last pic just sends me right over the edge! I HAVE to make this!!!
I also agree with Adri, because we are wearing out our soil with the way that these big companies are growing things. Many congrats comeing your way for the work it must take to grow your own food!
Thanks Bonnie! I have to admit that Larry does way more of the heavy lifting when it comes to the garden than I do, but it is something that he loves. And I hope you love the chicken!
You sound like a busy lady!! the chicken looks SO good – great sauce!
Mary
Thanks Mary – I hope that you give it a try 🙂
Love the sound of this, great family food.
Thanks Carolyn, and it really is – you can tone down the heat for kids if you have to.
You are busy! I’ve always wanted to raise chickens! My neighbor has 5 so it is fun to go over and see her girls! Love this chicken. Maple and chipotle are two of my favorite flavor combinations. Can’t wait to try this!
I love my chickens Abbe – they are very entertaining and fun. And there are eggs!
Sweet and spicy…I love the marinade. The chicken looks really tender and flavoursome.
Thanks Angie – hope you give it a try!
The chicken looks delicious Donna but getting your own local maple syrup is such an amazing treat-how lucky and what a great neighbour!
Thanks Lorraine – we have access to a lot of small producers of just about everything out here, so we take advantage as much as we can.
A new baby to play with? I’d be a horrid person and be off like a shot not giving one thought to anyone else but me and the baby. I’m obviously not a good person. 🙂
This chipotle and maple chicken though, this is almost as good as babies. almost.
Have a wonderful time!
Thanks Maureen – trust me, I have wanted to jump in car every day to rush down there, but I am forcing myself to be patient. One more day!
I LOVE the combination of chipotle and maple – this chickens looks delicious! So sticky and flavorful!
Thanks Amy – it is delightfully sticky 🙂
Hi Donalyn!
Oh my gosh aren’t you a busy bee. So many wonderful things going on in your neck of the woods. Did I read that right are you a knew grandmother??? Congratulations! I’m so excited for you!!! I just returned from seeing my grandkids. Treasure every single minute:)
Your chicken sounds delicious! I love the combinations of sweet and spicy especially when it comes to chicken! Thank you so much for sharing, Donalyn…
Thanks Louise – I am a grandmother again actually – our older daughter has 8 & 6 year olds. They are about the best thing ever, & days spent in their company are my favorite times.
This chicken looks so flavorful! I can’t wait to try this for dinner one night soon!
Thank you Jocelyn – I hope that you enjoy it!
Gosh, you guys are beyond busy! It all sounds good, though. And this dish? It sounds beyond good! I love combining chipotle with something a bit sweet, and this is wonderful. Thanks.
Thanks John – we have to keep busy, cause rust never sleeps, right? 😉
I love a combination of sweet and spicy! This chicken looks divine and I’m always looking for recipes that are easy to throw together last minute.
Thanks Christin – that is one of the best things about this dish – so easy!
Truth be told, I’ve never had chipotle but I’m already sold on the maple part!
Oh, I hope you give chipotle a try Michelle – be careful though, cause it has a kick!
Oh, wow, does this sweet and smoky chicken sound divine. I’m all about wonderful, easy food these days, too! Have a wonderful time cuddling that new granddaughter!
I know what you mean Liz – an occasional complicated meal is fine, but most days I am all about the speed 🙂
I love sweet and spicy together… so this sounds perfect! Congrats on the new baby! <3
Thanks Sherri – I like spicy and sweet in all things! 😉
Hi Donalyn, I just discovered your blog from MJ’s Kitchen. I’m excited to explore and see what you’re cooking. This chicken recipe looks delicious! Great post!
You definitely have enough excuses for looking for something quick and easy. I bet you can’t wait to spend time with your new granddaughter and your daughter. This is the type of chicken recipe that I love making during grilling season. Your chipotle flavored sauce is awesome!