Zesty Maple Ginger Chicken Traybake with Fennel Recipe

Maple sweet embrace mingles beautifully with ginger in this delightful chicken traybake that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

fennel adds a subtle, sophisticated crunch to the dish.

Kitchen experiments often surprise us with unexpected combinations.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a glossy, aromatic glaze that whispers of comfort and adventure.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when simple ingredients dance together with such harmony.

Crisp edges, caramelized surfaces, and a fragrant kitchen await you.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a symphony of warm, inviting flavors.

FAQs

• What makes the maple ginger glaze special?

The glaze combines sweet maple syrup with spicy grated ginger, tangy apple cider vinegar, and zesty Dijon mustard, creating a complex and balanced flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their richer flavor and juiciness, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just reduce cooking time to prevent drying out and ensure internal temperature reaches 165F.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165F. The meat should also appear golden brown and the juices should run clear when pierced.

Why You’ll Crave Maple Ginger Chicken With Fennel

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Minimal prep work and one-pan cooking make this recipe a stress-free dinner solution for busy families.
• Flavor Explosion: The maple ginger glaze creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and aromatic notes that elevate simple chicken and vegetables.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with lean protein from chicken thighs and fiber-rich fennel, this dish offers a healthy meal without compromising on taste.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with different herbs or vegetables, making it ideal for picky eaters and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Maple Ginger Chicken With Fennel Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for this delicious traybake.

• Fennel, Red Onion: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the dish while creating a delicious roasted base.

• Maple Syrup: Provides a rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy kick that complements the maple's sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to balance the sweet and savory flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a sharp, zesty note to the glaze.
• Olive Oil: Helps to create a smooth glaze and prevent sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Fresh Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds a final aromatic touch to the finished traybake.

Making Maple Ginger Chicken With Fennel

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and give your baking tray a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Together the Flavor Bomb

• Maple syrup
• Fresh ginger
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and looking glossy.

Step 3: Spread Out the Deliciousness

Scatter chicken thighs across the baking tray, joining them with sliced fennel and red onion.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 4: Drench in Liquid Gold

Pour the maple ginger glaze all over the chicken and veggies.

Make sure every morsel gets a luxurious coating of the sauce.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Slide the tray into the oven and let it work its magic for 35-40 minutes.

Peek in occasionally to baste the chicken, helping it turn golden and irresistible.

Step 6: Add the Final Touch

Shower the dish with fresh thyme leaves right before serving.

This herbal flourish brings a bright, aromatic finish to your culinary creation.

Maple Ginger Chicken With Fennel Cooking Tips

• Marinate chicken thighs in the maple ginger glaze for 30 minutes before roasting to enhance taste penetration and tenderness.
• Cover the tray with foil halfway through cooking if the fennel or onions start to char too quickly, protecting delicate vegetables.
• Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure the skin becomes wonderfully golden and crisp during roasting.
• Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for similar sweetness if maple syrup is unavailable, maintaining the dish's signature glaze profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.

Maple Ginger Chicken With Fennel Twist Ideas

• Vegan Maple Tofu Traybake: Replace chicken thighs with extra-firm tofu, pressing and cutting into cubes, marinating in the same maple ginger glaze for rich flavor.
• Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Variation: Swap fennel with zucchini and bell peppers, add oregano and rosemary to the glaze, using bone-in chicken for deeper taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute fennel and red onion with roasted cauliflower florets, reduce maple syrup and use sugar-free substitute for keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Asian-Inspired Version: Incorporate sriracha or chili flakes into the glaze, replace apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar, add sesame seeds as final garnish for extra kick.

Serving Maple Ginger Chicken With Fennel

• Rustic Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, sharing stories while enjoying warm, comforting flavors.
• Weeknight Dinner Hero: Quick, minimal cleanup traybake that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh thyme or chopped parsley right before serving to elevate the dish's aromatic profile and add bright green color.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the sweet and tangy maple ginger chicken with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that balances the dish's rich flavors.

Storing Maple Ginger Chicken With Fennel

• Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining flavor quality.
• Carefully transfer cooled chicken and vegetables to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly, label with date, and store for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture loss.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Uncover last 5 minutes for crispy skin.

Maple Ginger Chicken Traybake Fennel Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent maple ginger chicken traybake merges sweet and savory flavors with roasted fennel for a delightful dinner experience. Crisp, caramelized edges and aromatic spices promise a memorable meal that delights your palate.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin on

Vegetables:

• 1 fennel bulb, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking tray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a vibrant maple ginger glaze by whisking maple syrup, freshly grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until smoothly combined.
3. Distribute chicken thighs across the prepared tray, surrounding them with thinly sliced fennel and red onion wedges for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Generously drizzle the maple ginger glaze over the chicken and vegetables, carefully massaging the mixture to ensure comprehensive coating.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, periodically basting the chicken to maintain moisture and enhance caramelization.
6. Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to confirm thorough cooking, noting the golden-brown exterior and glistening surface.
7. Remove from oven and allow a brief 5-minute resting period to redistribute juices and intensify flavors.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme leaves over the dish for a fragrant, herbaceous finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the delicious maple ginger flavor profile.
• Toast fennel seeds before adding to enhance their nutty, licorice-like aroma and add deeper complexity to the dish.
• Use honey as a maple syrup alternative for those with dietary restrictions or limited pantry ingredients.
• Marinate chicken for 2-3 hours beforehand to intensify the maple ginger glaze penetration and tenderize the meat for extra juiciness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg