Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken – Easy Fall Recipe (30 mins)

Maple mustard glazed chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that blends the sweet notes of maple syrup with the tangy punch of mustard. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy fall dinner, this recipe is cooked in just one skillet, making cleanup easy and the preparation fast. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will impress your taste buds without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken

This maple mustard glazed chicken is the epitome of comfort food. It’s sweet, tangy, and savory with a rich, caramelized glaze that coats each bite of tender chicken. The recipe is family-friendly, requiring just a few pantry staples like maple syrup, mustard, and chicken breast halves. Plus, it’s cooked in a single skillet, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade meal without all the fuss.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients that make this dish a standout.

• Chicken Breast Halves: Thinly sliced chicken breast halves are key to ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Black Pepper: For seasoning, adding a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce and helps to deglaze the skillet.
• Maple Syrup: The star of the glaze, imparting a rich, natural sweetness.
• Fresh Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds earthiness to the dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the dish depth and savory notes.
• Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy zing to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Stone-Ground Mustard: Offers a bold, tangy flavor that complements the maple syrup’s sweetness.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful alternative, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They will take a bit longer to cook but will offer a richer taste.
• Dijon Mustard: If you can’t find stone-ground mustard, Dijon mustard works as a suitable substitute, offering a similar tang without the texture.
• Fresh Rosemary: If you don’t have thyme, fresh rosemary is a wonderful alternative that complements the maple syrup’s sweetness perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breast halves with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 2 minutes on each side until the chicken is nicely browned.
2. Create the Glaze: Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add chicken broth, maple syrup, half of the thyme, and garlic. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, and let it cook for about 2 minutes.
3. Add the Mustard: Stir in the cider vinegar and stone-ground mustard, allowing the mixture to cook for an additional minute.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Finish the Sauce: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and let the sauce simmer over medium heat for a couple of minutes to thicken.
6. Serve: Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the remaining thyme before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish. Make sure the skillet is hot enough to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Check Doneness: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce hasn’t thickened as much as you’d like, continue simmering it for an additional minute or two on medium heat.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover maple mustard glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Maple mustard glazed chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices that complement the sweetness of the glaze.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf makes an excellent side to balance the richness of the chicken.

For a spicy twist, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce or serve the dish with a side of pickled jalapeños. If you need to make it gluten-free, ensure that the mustard and any other condiments used are certified gluten-free.

Health Benefits and Seasonal Appeal

This maple mustard glazed chicken recipe is a wholesome, balanced meal that brings together lean protein and fresh herbs, making it a nutritious option for dinner. The sweetness of the maple syrup, combined with the tangy mustard, offers a well-rounded flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the crispness of fall.

Conclusion

Maple mustard glazed chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it the perfect dish for fall dinners or any occasion that calls for a simple, delicious meal. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, this one-skillet recipe ensures a satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Whether served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side of rice pilaf, it’s a versatile dish that will please the whole family. Don’t forget to experiment with variations like adding a spicy kick or trying different herbs to make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Crispy Maple Mustard Pork Belly Bites: This dish combines the same sweet and tangy maple mustard glaze as the original recipe, but with the rich, tender pork belly for an elevated twist. Perfect for those who enjoy savory pork with a touch of sweetness.
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken: A sweet and savory chicken recipe, similar to the maple mustard glazed chicken, but with honey and garlic creating a delicious glaze that’s perfect for slow cooking. This dish is ideal for hands-off cooking while still delivering bold flavors.
• Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls: Featuring marinated grilled chicken, this recipe brings a different take with zesty ingredients like lime, cilantro, and salsa. It complements the maple mustard glazed chicken with its bright, flavorful profile and is perfect for a fresh and filling meal.

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