If you’re on the hunt for an easy, cozy dinner that tastes like a warm hug, this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight rotation. I absolutely love how the sweet maple syrup balances perfectly with tangy mustard and a hint of fresh thyme, creating a luscious glaze that clings beautifully to tender, juicy chicken breasts. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—it’s comfort food that feels a little fancy but comes together without any fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Yet Elegant: Few ingredients come together to deliver a flavor-packed glaze that’s both sweet and tangy.
One-Skillet Convenience: From stovetop searing to oven baking, everything happens in one pan to save you time and cleanup.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The maple syrup’s sweetness is cut by sharp mustard and bright cider vinegar, with thyme and garlic adding aromatic depth.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this chicken—especially on busy weeknights when I want fast but impressive.

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, cozy weeknight meal, healthy chicken recipes, quick glazed chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are easy to find and work together like magic. The blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes is what makes this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe stand out. When shopping, I recommend choosing fresh thyme and pure maple syrup for a more authentic flavor.

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, cozy weeknight meal, healthy chicken recipes, quick glazed chicken

Olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps you get a nice sear on the chicken without overpowering flavors.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves: Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, perfect for a juicy glazed finish.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for bright, peppery heat.
Salt: Just enough to enhance flavors without drying out the chicken.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without making the sauce too salty.
Pure maple syrup: The star of the glaze, use 100% pure for natural sweetness and rich flavor.
Fresh thyme: Chopped thyme brings an earthy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds warmth and a touch of savory pungency that elevates the sauce.
Cider vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Stone-ground mustard: Gives texture and a gentle spicy kick that rounds out the glaze.

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 like to mix it up sometimes and tweak this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe to fit whatever mood or ingredient stash I have. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll discover new favorites along the way!

Use chicken thighs: When I want juicier, more flavorful meat, I swap in boneless chicken thighs, which also stay tender under the glaze.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes wakes up the sweetness and adds a nice zing that my spice-loving family adores.
Herb swaps: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or tarragon work beautifully for a different herbal note.
Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your mustard choice to be safe.

How to Make Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and warming a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil—it should shimmer but not smoke. Season your chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in the hot pan and sear each side for about 2 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken wonderfully juicy. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Maple Mustard Glaze

Now, this is where the magic happens. To the same skillet, add the chicken broth, maple syrup, half of the chopped thyme (about 1 teaspoon), and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen all those delicious browned bits—this adds incredible depth to your glaze. Stir frequently while cooking the sauce down for about 2 minutes.

Next, stir in the cider vinegar and stone-ground mustard, cooking for an additional minute. This step balances the sweetness with acidity and gives the glaze that signature tangy depth. Make sure you keep stirring so everything combines smoothly.

Step 3: Bake and Finish the Chicken

Return your chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of that glaze and any accumulated juices over the top, and pop the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This gentle oven finish cooks the chicken through without drying it out while letting the flavors soak in beautifully.

When the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and place on a serving plate. Then bring the skillet back to the stovetop over medium heat for about 2 minutes to thicken the glaze into a syrupy sauce. Keep a close eye here—it thickens fast, and you want it just right, not burnt.

Finally, drizzle the luscious glaze over your chicken and sprinkle with the remaining fresh thyme for that pop of color and herbaceous aroma. Voilà — dinner is served!

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe

Use an ovenproof skillet: This saves you from transferring chicken mid-recipe, making cleanup easier and cooking consistent.
Don’t skip searing: That golden crust adds essential flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy inside.
Watch the glaze closely when thickening: It goes from perfectly syrupy to burnt very quickly.
Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat chicken without guesswork.

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, cozy weeknight meal, healthy chicken recipes, quick glazed chicken

Garnishes

I love to finish this chicken with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves—they add such a fresh herbal note and a lovely pop of green. Sometimes I add a little lemon zest on top for brightness, especially when serving this in spring or summer. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a handful of toasted slivered almonds adds a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Over the years, I’ve found a few side dishes that make this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe shine even more. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery risotto soak up all that delicious sauce perfectly. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans complement the sweetness well. And on warmer nights, a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the glazed chicken breast sliced on a platter with a drizzle of extra glaze, surrounded by colorful roasted veggies and fresh thyme sprigs. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! Another trick I learned is serving it family-style with warm crusty bread so everyone can dip into that irresistible sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. The glaze thickens as it cools, so I recommend gently reheating it to bring back that saucy magic.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the glazed chicken and sauce separately with great results. Just wrap the chicken tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. The glaze can be frozen in a sealed container or freezer bag. This is a great option for prepping meals ahead.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning the glaze back on top to keep it moist. Alternatively, the microwave works fine if you cover it to avoid drying. Adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating also helps refresh the sauce’s texture.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here and stay juicy under the glaze. Just keep in mind thighs may need a minute or two longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats beautifully and the glaze keeps the chicken moist. Just store chicken and sauce in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain flavor and texture.
Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?

You can use honey if you prefer, but maple syrup gives this glaze its unique deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs best with mustard and thyme. Honey will make it a bit sweeter and less complex in flavor.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Searing the chicken first locks in moisture and creates a flavorful crust. Also, baking just until the chicken hits 165°F ensures it’s cooked safely but still tender. Using a meat thermometer is a gamechanger.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos when I want a quick, fuss-free dinner that still feels special. The way sweet and tangy flavors marry with tender chicken just hits all the right notes. I hope this recipe brings a little more joy and ease to your kitchen like it has to mine. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your favorites list too! So grab that skillet, and let’s make some magic happen.