This incredibly easy and immensely flavorful Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight dinner, adaptable for both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and more robust bone-in cuts!
When the clock is ticking and you need to bring a delicious dinner to the table without a fuss, this Easy Chicken Breast Recipe delivers an explosion of taste with minimal effort. The harmonious blend of sweet maple, tangy mustard, aromatic garlic, and fresh thyme creates a glaze that is both sweet and savory, guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Discover the Delight of Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken
This Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that balances simplicity with profound flavor. The moment the rich sweetness of maple syrup meets the sharp acidity of apple cider vinegar, a truly irresistible sauce is born. This dynamic duo, combined with the earthy notes of thyme and the pungent kick of garlic, transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation.
While the original concept often champions the convenience of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, this recipe’s versatility shines through. I’ve often opted for bone-in chicken breasts, which contribute an added layer of depth and moisture, making each bite even more succulent. If you’re mindful of calorie intake or simply pressed for time, boneless breasts are an excellent choice, as they cook more rapidly, making them absolutely perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Effortless and Flavorful Chicken Breast Recipes for Busy Lifestyles
Keeping a supply of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your freezer is a game-changer for stress-free meal planning. This incredibly adaptable cut of chicken lends itself to a myriad of recipes, making it a staple for home cooks everywhere. Our local butcher shop even offers them pre-trimmed, devoid of tenders and tendons, which further minimizes prep time and speeds up cooking. This particular Maple-Glazed Chicken recipe stands out for its efficiency, going from your fridge to your dinner table in just about 45 minutes!
Beyond its speed, what makes this dish truly special is its captivating flavor profile. The glaze penetrates the chicken, ensuring every morsel is infused with that signature sweet and savory goodness. It’s a sophisticated flavor that belies its simple preparation, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly memorable.
Mastering the Maple-Glazed Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious glazed chicken is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to achieve impressive results. The method, which begins with searing in a skillet and finishes baking in the oven, offers a fantastic advantage: it frees up your stovetop to prepare accompanying side dishes while the chicken bakes to perfection.
- Preparation is Key: Begin by ensuring your chicken breasts are properly trimmed. If they haven’t been pre-processed, take a moment to remove any tendons or excess fat for a cleaner eating experience.
- Gather Your Premium Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final flavor. Ensure you have genuine maple syrup (avoid artificial maple flavoring), robust stone-ground mustard, fresh thyme sprigs, aromatic garlic cloves, high-quality chicken broth, and tangy cider vinegar. These foundational ingredients are essential for developing the deep, rich flavors of the glaze.
- Sear for Sensation: Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until beautifully golden brown. This crucial step not only locks in juices but also creates a flavorful fond at the bottom of the pan, which will become the foundation of your incredible sauce. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Crafting the Irresistible Sauce: Return the skillet to the heat. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This enriches the sauce with unparalleled flavor.
- Infuse and Thicken: Add the maple syrup, fresh thyme, and sliced garlic to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently, and let it simmer for a few minutes until it begins to slightly reduce.
- Introduce Tang and Zest: Stir in the cider vinegar and stone-ground mustard. Allow the sauce to continue cooking for another minute or two, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Glaze and Bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, flipping them gently to ensure both sides are thoroughly coated with the luscious sauce. Then, transfer the chicken, along with all the delightful sauce, back into your prepared baking dish.
- Final Baking Flourish: Bake as directed in your preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized beautifully, creating a tender, juicy chicken with a sticky, sweet-savory coating.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Its robust flavor profile pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with fluffy wild rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even quinoa to soak up every last drop of that amazing glaze. For a balanced meal, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans complement the chicken beautifully. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or an extra sprig of thyme for an appealing garnish before serving.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
- Choosing Your Mustard: While stone-ground mustard offers a delightful texture and rustic flavor, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Dijon mustard will yield a smoother, tangier glaze, while a touch of whole-grain mustard can add a subtle crunch and a more pronounced mustard kick.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce can introduce a pleasant warmth without overpowering the maple-mustard balance.
- Herb Alternatives: If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme can be used, though you’ll need less (about 1 teaspoon dried for a heaping tablespoon fresh). Rosemary or sage could also offer interesting alternative flavor profiles.
- Glaze Consistency: If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce gently for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness. Be careful not to reduce it too much, as it will thicken further as it cools.
- Check Doneness: Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness. Overcooked chicken can be dry, so precision is key.
More Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes You’ll Love for Easy Dinners:
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken from Family Fresh Meals
- Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili
- Chicken Broccoli Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Honey Glazed Chicken Kabobs
- Chicken Bulgoge
- Explore more of the Best Chicken Recipes
Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken
20 minutes
25 minutes
45 minutes
6 servings
Tender chicken with a rich, flavorful pan sauce for an easy and unforgettable weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use bone-in chicken breasts for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (ensure it’s real maple syrup, not artificial)
- 1 heaping tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Carefully add the chicken to the hot skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside in the prepared baking dish.
- Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all the flavorful browned bits (fond). Add the maple syrup, fresh thyme, and sliced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes to slightly reduce.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar and stone-ground mustard. Continue to cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to ensure they are fully coated with the delicious maple mustard sauce.
- Transfer the chicken, along with all the remaining sauce from the skillet, into the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC). Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Cooking Light via The Mom Chef. For best results, use fresh thyme and high-quality real maple syrup. Adjust mustard type to your preference for a milder or sharper flavor.
Nutrition Information: (Estimated per serving)
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 324Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 219mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 38g
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