Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard. This delicious glaze adds a delightful flavor to juicy chicken breasts, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if available)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

Timing

Making Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken Breast takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Mix Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and apple cider vinegar (if using) until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add Marinade: After searing, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet.
4. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Serve

1. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Enjoy: Serve the Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken Breast warm, drizzled with the pan sauce, alongside your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or rice.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken Breast (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	30g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Add Spice: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or oregano for varied flavors.
• Grill Option: This recipe can also be grilled; simply preheat the grill and cook the marinated chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken Breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together sweet and tangy elements, making it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy this delightful recipe!