This Maple Dijon Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that brings out great flavors. Juicy chicken is coated in a tasty mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard—yum!
Cooking this is a breeze! Simply bake the chicken until it’s golden and let the sauce caramelize. It’s perfect for dinner, and I’m sure every bite will have you smiling.
I love to serve it with some colorful veggies or mashed potatoes. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs & Breasts: I love using both thighs and breasts for a nice mix of tenderness. You can easily swap the chicken for turkey if that’s your preference! Boneless cuts yield the best results here, so stick to those if possible.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient gives the dish a tangy kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, use yellow mustard or even a sweet brown mustard. If you’re avoiding mustard altogether, try a mix of honey and a little vinegar for depth.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup brings sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a substitute, agave syrup or honey can work well, but may change the flavor profile slightly. Just remember, less sweet syrups might not provide the same richness.
Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, and baby potatoes roast beautifully together. If you can’t find Brussels sprouts, feel free to substitute with green beans or broccoli. You can use regular potatoes instead of baby ones; just chop them smaller for even cooking.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken while keeping it juicy can be tricky but is key to this dish. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for 5 minutes. This helps retain its juices, making every bite juicy.
- Covering the dish with foil at first helps steam the chicken and veggies, ensuring tender results.
How to Make Maple Dijon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp thyme (optional)
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Maple Dijon Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to cook. Let’s break it down—15 minutes for mixing and prepping, followed by 25 minutes covered in the oven, then another 15-20 minutes uncovered. It’s a bit of waiting but so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting the chicken and veggies!
2. Prepare the Maple Dijon Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme (if using). Mix until everything is well blended and you have a nice sauce ready for the chicken and veggies.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and breasts and place them in a baking dish. Pour half of the maple Dijon sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated with that yummy sauce.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
In another bowl, toss the trimmed Brussels sprouts, carrot sticks, and halved baby potatoes with the remaining sauce. Ensure the veggies are evenly coated with all that delicious flavors!
5. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Now, surround the chicken with the vegetable mixture in the same baking dish. It’s all going to roast together, absorbing those flavors!
6. Bake the Dish:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This will help the chicken cook evenly and keep it juicy.
7. Finish Baking:
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake everything for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the veggies are tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once everything is done cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This way, the juices settle beautifully. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley if you like and serve hot. Enjoy your Maple Dijon Chicken with those tasty roasted vegetables!
## FAQ for Maple Dijon Chicken
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken Cuts?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks in this recipe. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly; ensure that chicken parts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee they are cooked through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard. Always check the labels to ensure your condiments don’t contain hidden gluten. Enjoy the same great taste without any concerns!
What Should I Do with Leftover Maple Dijon Sauce?
Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It makes a great marinade or dressing for salads! Just give it a good shake before using, as it may separate over time.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce and leave it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This will enhance the flavor, and when you’re ready, just bake it with the vegetables as directed. It’s perfect for meal prep!
