Introduction

This Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Tender chicken leg quarters are marinated in a vibrant orange and maple syrup mixture, then baked to golden perfection with fresh thyme and orange slices for an elegant yet easy meal.

The image shows a baking pan lined with brown parchment paper holding five glossy, dark brown caramelized chicken thighs. The skin on the chicken looks crispy and shiny with a sticky glaze. Around and under the chicken are several bright orange slices, lightly browned from cooking, and sprigs of fresh green thyme scattered on top and between the chicken pieces. The edges of the parchment paper are crinkled, and the pan is close up against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, and red chili flakes until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Add the chicken leg quarters to the bowl, turning each piece to coat thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
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 chicken.
Step 5: Scatter the remaining orange slices and thyme sprigs around the pan for added aroma and flavor.
Step 6: Dampen a large piece of parchment paper and lay it loosely over the chicken. Bake covered for 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the meat become tender.
Step 7: Remove the parchment cover and spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken. Return to the oven and roast uncovered for 15 minutes or until the chicken is golden and the edges are caramelized.
Step 8: Transfer the 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

For a spicier kick, increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Use skin-on, bone-in chicken quarters for the best flavor and texture.
Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the citrus and maple flavors.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve moisture and glaze. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick meals later in the week.

How to Serve

The image shows a single roasted chicken leg placed in the center of a white plate with a speckled design. Surrounding the chicken leg are several roasted baby potatoes, cut in half, with skins ranging from golden yellow to reddish-brown, showing a slightly crisp texture. Orange carrot sticks are scattered around the potatoes and chicken, baked until soft. The chicken leg has a golden brown, slightly crispy skin with whole grain mustard coating, sprinkled with small green herb pieces, likely parsley. The whole dish is lightly speckled with coarse black pepper and herbs, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses olive oil and maple syrup for richness without any dairy ingredients.

Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 73 reviews

This Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters recipe features tender, juicy chicken leg quarters marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh orange juice, pure maple syrup, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Baked to perfection over slices of fresh oranges and fragrant thyme, the chicken develops a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for an impressive yet easy dinner.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, olive oil, pure maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, and red chili flakes until the mixture is smooth and glossy, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken leg quarters to the marinade, turning each piece to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 390°F (about 200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Assemble the Dish: Spread a layer of thinly sliced oranges evenly across the parchment-lined sheet pan. Arrange the marinated chicken leg quarters on top of the orange slices. Pour the remaining marinade evenly over the chicken. Scatter the remaining orange slices and fresh thyme sprigs around the pan to infuse additional aroma and flavor during baking.
Bake Covered: Dampen a large piece of parchment paper and loosely cover the chicken to retain moisture. Bake for 1 hour at 390°F, allowing the chicken to cook gently and the flavors to meld, ensuring the meat becomes tender and juicy.
Brown the Chicken: Remove the parchment cover carefully. Spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken to keep it moist. Return the pan to the oven and roast uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and caramelized around the edges, developing a sticky glaze.
Serve: Transfer the roasted chicken quarters to a serving platter. Drizzle with the sticky, flavorful orange glaze from the pan. Garnish with roasted orange slices and fresh thyme sprigs to add a beautiful and aromatic finish, then serve warm for a delightful meal.

Notes

Marinating overnight results in the best flavor and tenderness.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chili flakes.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
You can substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks if preferred.
For an extra crispy skin, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Keywords: chicken quarters, maple orange glaze, baked chicken, easy dinner, citrus chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, oven baked chicken