If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and full of bold, crave-worthy flavor, look no further than this Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe. Each juicy chicken breast is enveloped in a comforting blend of real maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs, creating a sweet-and-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a dish that delivers gorgeous color, irresistible aroma, and a taste that feels both homey and restaurant-worthy — a surefire way to win over friends, family, or a special guest!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe is how it transforms staple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Each component plays a role in building the deep, nuanced flavor and appealing texture that make this entrée unforgettable.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean, tender meat that soaks up all the delicious glaze.
- Olive Oil: A splash is all you need for that golden sear and added richness to your chicken.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
- Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and rounds out the dish’s complexity.
- Pure Maple Syrup: The real star! Use pure maple syrup to get that deep, authentic maple flavor and gorgeous shine.
- Dijon Mustard: The tangy kick from Dijon mustard keeps the glaze lively and prevents it from being too sweet.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A dash of acidity to brighten up all the flavors and give the glaze some zing.
- Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami depth and helps with caramelization in the oven.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic enhances every bite with an earthy, aromatic note.
- Dried Thyme: A touch of thyme brings herby freshness that ties the glaze together.
How to Make Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when you need it. Then, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels — this helps them brown beautifully. Sprinkle each side with salt and black pepper, creating a solid foundation of flavor for your glaze to build on.
Step 2: Mix Up the Maple Glaze
Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and dried thyme. This mixture smells amazing already! Each ingredient is bringing its own magic: sweetness, tang, a hint of savory umami, and herbal depth. Set this bowl aside — your chicken is about to get the royal treatment.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add in your chicken breasts. Let them sear for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden. This step locks in juiciness and gives your chicken a flavorful crust — don’t skip it!
Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Pour your lovingly whisked maple glaze right over the seared chicken, making sure to spoon some directly on top of each piece. Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The glaze will bubble, caramelize, and infuse every bite with flavor.
Step 5: Serve With Extra Glaze
Once out of the oven, spoon any extra glaze from the pan over your chicken before serving. This not only adds shine but delivers a final burst of flavor. Get ready for oohs and aahs when it hits the table!
How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a burst of green that contrasts beautifully with the chicken’s golden glaze. A few grindings of black pepper on top amps up both color and aroma, making your dish look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe loves being paired with hearty, comforting sides. Roasted vegetables catch the sweet pan juices, mashed sweet potatoes echo the maple’s warmth, or wild rice serves as the perfect, slightly nutty canvas. Even a crisp green salad with apple or pear slices works if you want to keep things light.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and arranging it over your favorite grain bowl, or serve atop buttery polenta for an extra touch of luxury. For gatherings, present the chicken on a large platter, garnished with additional fresh herbs and orange slices — it’s a showstopper centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze keeps the chicken moist, and the flavors deepen as they sit, making for an incredibly tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
This Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe also freezes well. Place cooled chicken and glaze in a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The glaze may thicken, but a quick stir brings it right back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, place chicken in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F (163°C) oven until hot, about 15 minutes. You can also reheat gently in the microwave, though the oven method preserves the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay incredibly juicy. Just plan to increase the baking time by a few minutes since they need to cook through fully. The Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe works beautifully with either cut, so use your favorite.
Is it necessary to use pure maple syrup?
For the best flavor and to get that signature caramelization, pure maple syrup is strongly recommended. Artificial syrups often contain corn syrup and don’t bring the same depth or subtlety as real maple. Your Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe deserves the real deal!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of each breast reaches 165°F (74°C); a meat thermometer works wonders here. If you’re in doubt, slice into the center — the juices should run clear, not pink.
Can I make this recipe dairy free and gluten free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten free and dairy free as written, provided you choose a gluten free soy sauce (like tamari) if needed. It’s a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.
What can I do if my glaze is too thin?
If you want an even stickier glaze, remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the glaze on the stove until it thickens to your liking. Just keep stirring to prevent burning, then pour it right back over the chicken before serving your Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe enough — the sweet and savory glaze, golden chicken, and versatility make it a true dinner hero for any occasion. Give it a try, have fun with the sides and garnishes, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a frequent favorite at your table!
Print
Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful and savory Maple Glazed Chicken that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This easy-to-make dish combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard, creating a flavor-packed glaze that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Maple Glaze:
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown.
- Add the glaze: Pour the maple glaze over the chicken.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Glaze and serve: Spoon extra glaze over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or wild rice.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for added richness—just increase the baking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
