Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Maple Dijon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Dijon Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This maple dijon sauce should be smooth and glossy—the mustard naturally emulsifies everything beautifully.

Add the chopped rosemary and a pinch of cayenne if using. Set aside while you prepare the chicken. The flavors will meld and intensify while the sauce sits.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving a golden sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. Place chicken in the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to cook through at this stage—you’re just building flavor and color.

Step 3: Add the Maple Dijon Glaze

Once the chicken is nicely seared on both sides, pour the maple dijon sauce over and around the chicken pieces. Use a spoon to coat each piece thoroughly. If using fresh herb sprigs, nestle them around the chicken now.

The sauce will bubble and reduce slightly, concentrating its flavors and creating that gorgeous sticky glaze.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet to a preheated 400°F oven (if your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer everything to a baking dish). Bake for 15-20 minutes, basting the chicken with the pan sauce halfway through.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The maple dijon glaze should be thick, glossy, and caramelized.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

Spoon the pan sauce over each chicken breast before serving. The sauce is liquid gold—don’t waste a drop! Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Nutritional Breakdown of Maple Dijon Chicken

This dish delivers impressive nutrition alongside incredible flavor:

Per Serving (one chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 260-310
• Protein: 25-29g
• Carbohydrates: 15-17g
• Fat: 10-12g
• Sugar: 12-13g
• Sodium: 305-632mg

The high protein content makes this maple dijon chicken perfect for anyone focused on fitness, muscle building, or simply staying satisfied. The natural sugars from maple syrup provide quick energy without the blood sugar crash of refined sugars.

Creative Variations for Maple Dijon Chicken

Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken with Vegetables

Arrange chicken in center of a large sheet pan. Surround with cubed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and sliced red onion. Pour maple dijon sauce over everything and roast at 425°F for 30 minutes.

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken

Place chicken in slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and toss with reduced sauce for sandwiches or bowls.

Grilled Maple Dijon Chicken

Marinate chicken in half the maple dijon sauce for 2 hours. Grill over medium-high heat, brushing with remaining sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Add More Vegetables

Toss carrots, parsnips, or butternut squash in the maple dijon glaze and roast alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.

Spicy Maple Dijon Variation

Double the cayenne pepper or add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy-sweet version.

Perfect Pairings for Maple Dijon Chicken

This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with numerous sides:

Vegetable Sides:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Sautéed green beans almondine
• Roasted carrots with thyme
• Cauliflower mash
• Balsamic roasted vegetables

Starches:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Wild rice pilaf
• Quinoa with herbs
• Sweet potato wedges
• Creamy polenta

Salads:

• Autumn kale salad with cranberries
• Apple and walnut salad
• Spinach salad with warm bacon dressing
• Arugula with pears and goat cheese

Beverage Pairings:

• Pinot Noir or Chardonnay
• Hard apple cider
• Sparkling water with apple slices
• Iced tea with honey

Meal Prep and Storage for Maple Dijon Chicken

This maple dijon chicken is excellent for meal prep:

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days
• Store chicken and sauce together to keep meat moist
• Reheat gently in microwave or oven
• Can be frozen up to 3 months

Meal Prep Tips:

1. Cook chicken and sauce on Sunday
2. Portion into containers with vegetables
3. Reheat portions as needed throughout week
4. Sauce keeps chicken incredibly moist

Reheating Best Practices:

• Microwave: 1-2 minutes covered
• Oven: 350°F for 10-12 minutes covered
• Stovetop: Simmer in pan with splash of water