Maple Glazed Chicken is a savory-sweet main dish that features juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, sticky glaze made from pure maple syrup, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of tangy mustard. Simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining, this dish brings comfort and sophistication to the table with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, tangy, and umami—all in one glaze. The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, forming a golden, glossy coating on the chicken while locking in moisture. It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad. Plus, it comes together quickly using pantry staples and minimal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Maple Glaze:

1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Directions

Prep the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the glaze: In the same skillet, add maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, vinegar, and herbs. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Return chicken: Add the chicken back to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and the glaze is thick and glossy.
Serve: Spoon extra glaze over chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Maple Glaze: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Baked Version: Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through and again at the end.
Maple Mustard Marinade: Marinate chicken in half the glaze for 2–4 hours before cooking for deeper flavor.
Grilled Maple Chicken: Grill the chicken and brush with glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
Maple Garlic Wings: Use this glaze for chicken wings—perfect for parties or appetizers.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze glazed chicken for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly—bone-in pieces take longer to cook through.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, though the flavor will be different. Honey is sweeter and lacks the unique depth of maple.

What sides pair well with maple glazed chicken?

Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, wild rice, sautéed green beans, or a simple garden salad.

Can I double the glaze for extra sauce?

Absolutely—it’s great for drizzling over vegetables or grains.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, cook and store it in the fridge, then reheat gently with the glaze when ready to serve.

Does this work with other meats?

Yes, the glaze also pairs beautifully with pork, salmon, or tofu.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep heat at medium-low once the glaze is added, and stir often to prevent scorching.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it without Dijon mustard?

You can omit or substitute with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard for a milder flavor.

What herbs work best?

Thyme, rosemary, and sage all pair well with the maple flavor.

Conclusion

Maple Glazed Chicken is a warm, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests something special, this recipe offers the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness. With its glossy finish and tender texture, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.

Maple Glazed Chicken

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Maple Glazed Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring juicy chicken coated in a rich maple syrup glaze with hints of garlic and mustard—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place in a baking dish.
Pour the maple glaze over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has thickened slightly. Baste once or twice during baking.
Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a more caramelized glaze.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken in the maple glaze for 1–2 hours before baking.
Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be sliced and added to salads or sandwiches.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
Calories: 310
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg