Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe

Maple Glazed Chicken is the kind of recipe that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special with almost no extra effort. It’s all about that irresistible sweet and savory glaze, which caramelizes beautifully in the oven, soaking right into the juicy chicken breasts. Alongside the flavors you get from the pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard, there’s a delightful touch of garlic and a hint of soy, all working together to make every bite memorable. Whether you’re making this for your family or serving to friends, Maple Glazed Chicken is a dish that delivers both comfort and that little wow factor that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real beauty of Maple Glazed Chicken lies in its simplicity—every single ingredient has a purpose, bringing out bold flavors or supporting that sticky, golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each piece matters:

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide a lean, tender base for soaking up all that maple goodness.
  • Maple Syrup: Offers natural sweetness and a gorgeous glaze—be sure to use pure maple syrup for the richest flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings a gentle tang that balances the syrup’s sweetness and gets that irresistible depth.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami, rounding out the glaze with a savory finish.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh for a zesty kick—each bite gets just a hint of garlicky warmth.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the glaze coat the chicken and keeps everything juicy during baking.
  • Salt: Essential for making all the other flavors pop, so don’t skip it!
  • Black Pepper: For a subtle bit of heat that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness.
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds bright color and a fresh, clean finish to your Maple Glazed Chicken.

How to Make Maple Glazed Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Getting the temperature just right ensures the chicken cooks through quickly while allowing that gorgeous glaze to slowly caramelize and thicken. Don’t skip the preheat—an even bake is the secret to juicy Maple Glazed Chicken every single time.

Step 2: Mix Up the Maple Glaze

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Take a moment to really blend these ingredients well, making sure everything is fully combined. The aroma at this stage is already mouthwatering—this is the magic that will elevate your chicken into a dinner superstar!

Step 3: Glaze the Chicken Breasts

Place your chicken breasts snugly in a baking dish. Pour the maple glaze over each piece, turning them over if needed to fully coat on all sides. Every nook and cranny should be dripping with glaze; this attention to detail gives that beautiful uniform flavor (and glossy finish!) that makes Maple Glazed Chicken so memorable.

Step 4: Bake and Baste

Bake the chicken uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. About halfway through, open the oven and spoon the pan juices right over the tops of the chicken breasts. This basting step locks in flavor, makes the chicken extra juicy, and helps the glaze set into a lovely amber coat.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once your Maple Glazed Chicken is gorgeously golden and cooked through, pull it from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. Resting lets all those flavorful juices redistribute, so every bite is succulent. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and an herbaceous finish right before serving.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken

Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching plate, shower your Maple Glazed Chicken with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a few sprigs of thyme. The green makes the amber glaze stand out even more, and the herbs add a burst of fresh aroma that complements the deep maple notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe loves company! Pair Maple Glazed Chicken with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, or a fluffy scoop of jasmine rice. The sweet, tangy glaze plays off savory and earthy sides in a way that keeps every bite exciting and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a little creative, try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of wilted greens or colorful grains. Drizzle extra pan juices over the top for a glossy, restaurant-worthy finish. Maple Glazed Chicken also makes for a fantastic sandwich filling or protein topper for hearty salads—leftovers are never boring with this dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Maple Glazed Chicken (lucky you), transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to three days, making lunch or dinner the next day delightfully easy.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool completely, then wrap each breast individually and seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. Maple Glazed Chicken holds up wonderfully in the freezer for up to two months—just make sure to label and date before storing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep things juicy. You can also microwave it, though it’s best to slice the chicken first and add a spoonful of glaze or a splash of broth to help retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap—they’re naturally juicier and richer, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time up by 5-10 minutes depending on thickness. The Maple Glazed Chicken flavor works perfectly for both cuts.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari), Maple Glazed Chicken is fully gluten-free, making it perfect for all kinds of dietary needs.

What type Main Course

For the richest flavor and best glaze, always use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup or blends. Grade A or Grade B both work—just avoid anything labeled “maple-flavored.”

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! Marinating the chicken in the maple glaze for 1–2 hours (or even overnight) adds even more depth, letting all the flavors thoroughly soak in for that sticky-sweet result we love in Maple Glazed Chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest and easiest way is to check with a meat thermometer—once the thickest part of the chicken breast hits 165°F, it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. The juices should also run clear when you slice into the thickest part.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to bring big, comforting flavors to your dinner table, Maple Glazed Chicken is an absolute must-try. It’s easy enough for any night but always delicious enough to impress. Give it a go—you might just find it becomes your new favorite!

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Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe

Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A delicious and easy recipe for Maple Glazed Chicken that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The chicken breasts are coated in a sweet and savory maple glaze and baked to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat. Serve this dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Maple Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the maple glaze over them, ensuring even coating.
  4. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), basting halfway through.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with sides.

Notes

  • For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the glaze before baking.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or rice.
  • Adjust cooking time if using chicken thighs for a moister result.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 470mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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