Maine

Maine Maple Fried Chicken

Where New England tradition meets Southern comfort. This maple-glazed fried chicken showcases Maine's legendary maple syrup in a sweet, sticky glaze over perfectly crispy chicken. A taste of the Pine Tree State's sweetest export.

⏱ Total 1hr 20min 🍴 Serves 6 🌶 Mild Heat ⭐ New England Sweet

Equipment Needed

🍳 Cast Iron Skillet
🌡 Thermometer
🥣 Saucepan
🧬 Wire Rack
🍽 Pastry Brush

Instructions

1

Make the maple brine: Whisk together buttermilk, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and salt. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for 4-8 hours.

Tip: Use Grade A Dark Robust maple syrup from Maine for the most pronounced maple flavor.
2

Prepare the breading: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cinnamon in a shallow dish. The cinnamon complements maple beautifully.

3

Make the maple glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, butter, vinegar, cayenne, and salt. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Keep warm.

4

Heat the oil: Pour oil into a cast iron skillet to 1.5 inches depth. Heat to 350°F (175°C).

5

Bread the chicken: Remove chicken from brine, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Let rest on a rack for 5 minutes.

6

Fry to golden perfection: Carefully place chicken in hot oil, skin-side down. Fry 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.

7

Glaze while hot: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack. While still hot, brush generously with the warm maple glaze. Let some drip down the sides. Apply a second coat after 2 minutes.

Tip: The glaze will set slightly on the hot chicken, creating a sticky-crispy coating.
8

Serve Maine style: Arrange on a platter with remaining glaze for drizzling. Serve with biscuits, roasted root vegetables, or apple coleslaw for a true New England meal.

💡 Pro Tips & Variations

  • Real Maine maple only: Don't use pancake syrup - only pure Maine maple syrup has the complex flavor this dish needs.
  • Grade matters: Grade A Dark Robust (formerly Grade B) has deeper maple flavor than lighter grades.
  • Spicy maple option: Double the cayenne in the glaze for a hot maple variation that's increasingly popular.
  • Maple bacon addition: Add crumbled maple bacon to the glaze for extra Maine indulgence.
  • Apple pairing: Maine apples complement maple beautifully - serve with apple slices or apple cider.
  • Waffle combo: This chicken is outstanding served over waffles drizzled with extra maple syrup.
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