Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, savory, and satisfying. The glaze comes together in minutes and infuses the chicken with rich flavor as it bakes. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It pairs well with a variety of sides and can be made with your preferred cut of chicken. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
- Pure maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Whole grain mustard (optional, for texture)
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), garlic, vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in the baking dish.
- Pour the glaze over the chicken, turning to coat each piece evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes (depending on the cut and thickness), basting with the sauce halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is caramelized.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Use chicken drumsticks or bone-in thighs for deeper flavor and crispier skin.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Mix in a little soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.
- Try grainy mustard alone for a more rustic glaze texture.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme directly to the glaze.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work great. Adjust cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.
Is maple syrup necessary, or can I use honey?
Maple syrup gives a unique flavor, but honey can be used as a substitute for a slightly different but equally delicious glaze.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the glaze for up to 24 hours in the fridge before baking.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat, basting with the glaze, until cooked through and nicely caramelized.
What type of mustard is best?
Dijon mustard gives a smooth tang, while whole grain mustard adds texture. Use both for the best of both worlds.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels on mustard and vinegar to be sure.
Can I make this with skin-on chicken?
Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken works well and delivers crispier, more flavorful results.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
Simmer the glaze on the stovetop for a few minutes before baking to reduce and thicken it slightly.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What sides go well with maple mustard chicken?
Roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, sautéed greens, rice, or a grain salad pair beautifully with this dish.
Conclusion
Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken is the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory in a quick, fuss-free meal. With a luscious glaze and tender chicken, it’s a versatile recipe that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is bound to become a regular in your rotation.
PrintMaple Mustard Glazed Chicken
Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), garlic, vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place in prepared baking dish.
- Pour glaze over the chicken, turning to coat each piece evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, depending on the cut and thickness, basting halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and glaze is caramelized.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over top and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for more flavor and crispier texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Substitute honey for maple syrup if needed.
- Marinate chicken in glaze up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
- Pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with glaze
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
