If you’re on the hunt for a sweet and tangy chicken dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, you’re going to love this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how this comes together in just one skillet, blending the rich maple syrup with the zing of stone-ground mustard for a glaze that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or want to impress without stressing, this recipe is a total winner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From prep to plating in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
One-Skillet Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, which I always appreciate after a long day.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the tangy mustard and fresh thyme.
Family Favorite: My family actually goes crazy for this glaze—it’s become a dinner rotation staple.

The image shows a close-up of four golden brown chicken pieces cooking in a copper-colored frying pan with a shiny glaze of sauce on them, speckled with herbs and black pepper. The chicken pieces vary in size, with two larger pieces at the center and two smaller ones towards the top and bottom right. A dark wooden spoon with sauce droplets rests on the right side of the pan, which sits on a light brown cloth on a white marbled surface. The sauce glistens with a slightly sticky texture, pooling lightly around the chicken, highlighting the juicy, cooked texture of the meat photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken, easy chicken dinner recipes, quick skillet chicken, healthy chicken recipes, sweet and tangy chicken dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe works together to create a delightful melody of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. When you pick up the freshest thyme and quality maple syrup, the flavors really shine—trust me, it makes a difference.

Flat lay of a fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast half, a small drizzle of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with glossy amber maple syrup, two cloves of fresh garlic with papery skin, a few sprigs of fresh green thyme, a small white bowl of pale yellow stone-ground mustard with visible mustard seeds, a small white bowl of clear cider vinegar, a small white bowl filled with light golden low-sodium chicken broth, a small pile of coarse black peppercorns, and a small pile of fine white salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken, easy chicken dinner recipes, quick skillet chicken, healthy chicken recipes, sweet and tangy chicken dishes

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for a subtle richness and to help brown the chicken beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves: These cook quickly and keep it lean, but you can swap with thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor kick.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the glaze.
Pure maple syrup: The star of the glaze—go for 100% pure for authentic sweetness.
Fresh thyme: Divided so some can be cooked into the sauce and some sprinkled on top for freshness.
Garlic: Minced cloves give a nice aromatic punch without being overpowering.
Cider vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness from the syrup.
Stone-ground mustard: For that rustic texture and sharp mustard flavor that pairs perfectly with maple.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. You can easily tweak it to keep things exciting or to accommodate what you have on hand.

Use Chicken Thighs: For more flavor and juiciness, I sometimes substitute boneless skinless thighs—they stay tender and soak up the glaze beautifully.
Make it Spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze gives a lovely kick without overshadowing the sweet and mustard flavors.
Swap the Maple Syrup: If you’re out of maple, honey or agave can work, but I find pure maple syrup gives the best depth and complexity.
Herbs Variation: Sometimes I swap thyme for rosemary or tarragon for a different herbal note that freshens up the dish.

How to Make Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and heating a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in the olive oil and add the seasoned chicken breasts (salt and black pepper) to the pan. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side just until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. This step is key—don’t rush it! The browning not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Create the Maple Mustard Sauce Base

After browning, remove the chicken and set aside. Pour in the chicken broth, maple syrup, half the fresh thyme, and minced garlic into the hot skillet. Bring it to a boil, scraping the bottom to loosen those tasty browned bits. Let it cook uncovered for about 2 minutes while stirring often—this concentrates the flavor and starts thickening the glaze.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Bake

Stir in the cider vinegar and stone-ground mustard, cooking the glaze for another minute to meld all those flavors. Then, nestle the chicken back into the pan along with any juices it’s released. Spoon some sauce over the chicken pieces to keep them moist. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. I always use a meat thermometer—nothing beats that perfect doneness!

Step 4: Thicken the Glaze and Serve

Once baked, remove the chicken and place it on a serving plate. Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Watch it closely as it thickens quickly and can burn if unattended. Pour the luscious glaze over the chicken, sprinkle with the remaining fresh thyme, and you’re ready to impress!

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe

Use an Ovenproof Skillet: I always use my trusty cast iron pan so I can easily go from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
Don’t Skip the Browning: That browned crust gives incredible flavor and texture, so resist the urge to rush through this step!
Monitor Sauce Consistency: The glaze thickens quickly once you reduce it; keep stirring and don’t walk away to avoid burning.
Check Chicken Temperature: Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken—no guesswork needed.

How to Serve Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe

Four pieces of golden brown cooked chicken sit in a shallow white pan with shiny sauce glistening on and around them. The chicken is seasoned with small green herbs and red spices, and a dark wooden spoon rests inside the pan. The pan is placed on a light brown cloth with a textured white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken, easy chicken dinner recipes, quick skillet chicken, healthy chicken recipes, sweet and tangy chicken dishes

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves—they add a lovely herbal note and brighten the plate visually. Sometimes I also add a few lemon wedges to squeeze over, which plays wonderfully with the sweet and savory glaze.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually serve this chicken with garlic mashed potatoes or a simple wild rice pilaf. Roasted green beans or sautéed asparagus complement the flavors and bring some fresh crunch that balances the rich glaze perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I like plating the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for texture. A garnish of microgreens or edible flowers adds a pretty pop if you’re trying to dazzle your guests visually as well as with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the chicken and sauce together so the flavors continue to meld, but if you prefer, you can keep the sauce separate to reheat more easily.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken a couple of times with good results. Just cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers. When thawing, I recommend leaving it in the fridge overnight for best texture. The sauce thickens after freezing, so just warm it gently and stir in a splash of broth if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to dry the chicken out. Spoon extra sauce on top when serving to freshen the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully, providing extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs might need a few extra minutes to reach the proper internal temperature.
Is it okay to substitute honey for maple syrup?

You can substitute honey if you’re out of maple syrup, but expect a slightly different flavor profile. Maple syrup has a unique woodsy sweetness that’s hard to replicate. If using honey, choose a mild variety to avoid overpowering the mustard.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep a close eye on the glaze as it thickens, stirring frequently over medium heat. Since it contains sugar, it can burn quickly if unattended. Removing from heat once it reaches a syrupy consistency is key.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure your chicken broth and mustard are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What sides pair best with Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken?

I recommend creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple rice pilaf. These sides soak up the glaze nicely and round out the meal without competing with the chicken’s rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe is one of those happy discoveries that’s earned a permanent spot in my cooking repertoire. It hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, comforting—and it’s so easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Giving it a try feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and I’m sure once you make it, you’ll be looking forward to it again and again. Seriously, your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!