Imagine a dish that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and Dijon mustard, creating a sweet and savory symphony that will tantalize your taste buds. This Maple Dijon Chicken recipe is a perfect blend of culinary traditions, bringing together the warmth of the oven with the simplicity of a quick and easy meal. The aromatic essence of garlic and the subtle tang of Dijon mustard perfectly balance the sweetness of the maple syrup, making this dish a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease of preparation and delightful flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Sea salt and fresh pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a large baking dish with olive oil, ensuring it is large enough to hold all four chicken breasts flat.
- Infuse Garlic Flavor: In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir until very lightly browned and tender.
- Make the Maple Dijon Sauce: Remove the garlic from the heat and stir in the maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Add in the cayenne pepper if using and stir well. Set the sauce aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Score the tops lightly with a knife and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Cover with Sauce: Pour the Maple Dijon sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with Parsley: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parsley flakes for a pop of color.
Top Tips
- Use High-Quality Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, use pure, high-quality maple syrup.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount to your taste.
- Don’t Overcook: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked, as it can become dry.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with Veggies: Consider serving with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before using.
Variations
- Honey Dijon Chicken: Substitute the maple syrup with honey for a different sweet and savory flavor combination.
- Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or use hot sauce like sriracha for an extra spicy kick.
- Herby Twist: Add some fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an herb-infused flavor.
- Vegetable Addition: Roast vegetables like asparagus or green beans alongside the chicken for added nutrition and flavor.
- Sheet Pan Meal: Use a sheet pan and arrange the chicken and vegetables in a single layer for an easy, one-pan meal.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | |
|————————————–| |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 35g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This recipe is relatively low in fat and high in protein, making it a great option for a healthy dinner. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness without using refined sugars. Adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper allows you to control the level of spiciness, making it suitable for all ages. This dish is also versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or rice.
