Name: Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken leg quarters; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; For the glaze:; 1/3 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1 tsp orange zest; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and citrusy. I roast tender chicken quarters until golden and crispy, then brush them with a sticky glaze made from maple syrup, fresh orange juice, and a hint of garlic and spice. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a glossy finish and just the right amount of caramelization.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms everyday chicken into something that tastes restaurant-worthy. The glaze adds depth without overpowering the natural flavor of the chicken, and I barely have to do anything once it goes in the oven. It’s great for weeknight dinners but also feels special enough for guests. Plus, the aroma while it roasts is absolutely mouthwatering. Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken leg quarters
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika

For the maple orange glaze:

Maple syrup
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy note)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
I pat the chicken dry, then rub it with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
I place the chicken skin-side up in the baking dish and roast for 30 minutes.
While it roasts, I combine maple syrup, orange juice, zest, garlic, soy sauce, and any optional ingredients in a small saucepan.
I bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
After 30 minutes, I brush the glaze over the chicken and return it to the oven.
I continue roasting for another 15–20 minutes, basting once or twice more with the glaze, until the skin is crisp and the internal temp hits 165°F.
I let it rest a few minutes before serving, with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 55–60 minutes total—15 minutes of prep and 40–45 minutes of roasting.

Variations

Sometimes I swap in chicken thighs or drumsticks if I don’t have quarters. For a more herbaceous flavor, I add chopped rosemary or thyme to the glaze. I’ve also used honey in place of maple syrup when I want a different sweetness. A splash of bourbon in the glaze takes it up a notch too.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover the chicken loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15–20 minutes. The glaze reactivates beautifully. Microwaving works too, but the skin won’t be as crisp. Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but I reduce the cooking time since boneless pieces cook faster. I also go lighter on the glaze to avoid overwhelming the thinner cuts.

Will the glaze burn in the oven?

As long as I apply it during the second half of cooking and baste carefully, it caramelizes without burning. I avoid high broil settings unless I’m watching closely.

What sides go well with this dish?

I love serving it with roasted potatoes, wild rice, or steamed green beans. The citrus glaze pairs really well with earthy or slightly bitter sides.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, I grill the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, then brush on the glaze during the last few minutes. It gets nicely charred and sticky.

Can I make the glaze ahead?

Definitely. I make the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. I reheat it gently before brushing it on.

Conclusion

Maple Orange Glazed Chicken Quarters are a delicious, easy way to make dinner feel special without a lot of effort. I love the sweet-savory combo, the crispy skin, and how the glaze clings to every bite. It’s a recipe that always gets compliments and works for any season. Whether I’m cooking for family or friends, this dish never lets me down.