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1 Perfect Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu) You’ll Crave

You know that magical moment when sweet and savory collide in the most delicious way? That’s exactly what happens with this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu) recipe—my go-to dish when I want something impressive yet ridiculously easy. I first made this for a cozy Sunday dinner with friends years ago, and now it’s my signature move whenever I need a foolproof crowd-pleaser. The maple syrup caramelizes into this sticky, glossy perfection while the soy sauce keeps everything balanced and oh-so-savory. Whether you’re roasting a chicken or going veggie with tofu, trust me, that sweet-salty crust will have everyone begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu)

  • Effortless prep: Just mix, brush, and roast—it’s that simple.
  • Sweet & savory perfection: Maple syrup and soy sauce create a flavor combo that’s downright addictive.
  • Versatile: Works equally well with chicken or tofu, so it’s perfect for everyone.
  • Impressive yet easy: Looks fancy but requires minimal effort—your secret weapon for dinner parties.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe shine. I’m a stickler for quality here—trust me, it makes all the difference!

  • 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs) or 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu – Pat it dry before roasting for the best results.
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup – The real stuff, not pancake syrup. It’s worth it for that deep, caramelized flavor.
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – Adds that perfect salty balance without overpowering the dish.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps the glaze stick and keeps everything moist.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder – A quick shortcut that still packs a punch.
  • 1 tsp paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and a gorgeous color.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously; it’s the foundation of flavor!

That’s it—simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Let’s get cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t stress—you probably have most of this stuff already! Here’s what I grab before diving into this recipe:

  • Roasting pan – A sturdy one with low sides works best for even cooking.
  • Basting brush – Silicone is my favorite (no bristles falling out mid-glaze!).
  • Meat thermometer – Non-negotiable for chicken! I aim for 165°F at the thickest part.
  • Small mixing bowl – For whisking up that glorious maple glaze.
  • Tongs or a spatula – For flipping tofu or maneuvering the chicken.

See? Nothing fancy—just the basics to make magic happen.

How to Make Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu)

Ready to whip up this showstopper? Let’s dive in—it’s easier than you think!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, pat your chicken or tofu dry with paper towels. Dry surfaces mean better browning—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika. Taste it—this is where the magic starts!
  3. Brush it on: Place your chicken or tofu in a roasting pan and generously brush the maple glaze all over. Don’t be shy—get every nook and cranny!
  4. Season and roast: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then pop it in the oven. For chicken, roast for 45 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes. For tofu, roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Check for doneness: For chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Tofu should be golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
  6. Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute—patience pays off!

And that’s it! You’ve just made a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.

Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu)

Want to take it to the next level? Here are my go-to tricks:

  • Broil for crispiness: If you love a crispy exterior, broil for the last 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it—things can go from golden to burnt in seconds!
  • Check the temperature: For chicken, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it’s safe and juicy.
  • Adjust the glaze: If your glaze thickens too much while roasting, thin it out with a tablespoon of warm water before basting.
  • Rest before slicing: Letting it rest ensures the juices stay locked in—no dry chicken or crumbly tofu here!

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a dish that’s restaurant-worthy every time.

Serving Suggestions for Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu)

This dish shines when paired with simple, comforting sides. My absolute favorite? Garlic mashed potatoes—they soak up that glorious maple glaze like a dream. For something lighter, try roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts (toss them right in the pan juices!). And don’t forget a crisp green salad to balance all that sweet-savory goodness. Dinner is served!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the best part—this maple-glazed beauty keeps like a dream! Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. For reheating, I always go for the oven at 350°F until warmed through—it keeps that crispy exterior intact. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as magical. Pro tip: Store the chicken or tofu with any extra pan juices to keep it moist when reheating!

Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu) Variations

Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe—it’s incredibly forgiving! Swap maple syrup with honey for a different kind of sweetness, or try smoked paprika instead of regular for a deeper, smokier flavor. For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze. The possibilities are endless, so make it your own!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting per serving (about 1/4 chicken or 1/4 block tofu): roughly 300 calories, 25g protein, 15g carbs (12g sugar), and 14g fat. Keep in mind—these numbers might shift slightly depending on your exact ingredients or portion sizes. But hey, with flavors this good, who’s counting?

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about this recipe all the time—here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often!

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely, but here’s my trick: thaw it completely first in the fridge overnight. Roasting frozen chicken means uneven cooking and soggy skin—no one wants that! Pat it extra dry before glazing to ensure maximum crispiness.

How can I make the skin/outside even crispier?

Two words: broiler magic! After roasting, crank your oven to broil for just 3-5 minutes—watch it like a hawk though. That maple glaze can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in seconds. The high heat gives you that irresistible crackly texture everyone loves.

Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?

You bet! Honey works beautifully here—just know it’ll taste slightly different (in a good way!). Maple gives that distinctive earthy sweetness, while honey leans floral. Both make a killer glaze though. Pro tip: Reduce honey by 1 tbsp since it’s sweeter than maple syrup.

Will this work with extra-firm tofu?

My vegetarian friends swear by it! Just press your tofu well first (30 minutes under a heavy plate works wonders). The glaze clings perfectly to those porous surfaces. Bonus: Tofu soaks up flavors even better than chicken—just roast it a tad less time.

Share Your Results

I’d love to hear how your Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu) turned out! Snap a photo of that gorgeous caramelized glaze—I bet it looks amazing. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and inspiration!

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Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu)

1 Perfect Maple Glazed Roast Chicken (or tofu) You’ll Crave


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  • Author: TracyMarger
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A savory dish featuring roast chicken or tofu with a sweet maple glaze.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken or 1 block of firm tofu
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the chicken or tofu by patting it dry and placing it in a roasting pan.
  3. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. Brush the maple mixture evenly over the chicken or tofu.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes for chicken or 25 minutes for tofu, basting occasionally with the glaze.
  7. Check for doneness and let rest before serving.

Notes

  • For a crispier skin or exterior, broil for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken or thickness of the tofu.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 chicken or 1/4 block tofu
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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