Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this irresistible Maple Mustard Skillet Chicken! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts glistening with a sweet and tangy glaze that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This restaurant-quality dish is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that's surprisingly simple to create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard until well combined, creating a smooth glaze.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the chicken breasts and immediately pour the maple mustard glaze over each piece, ensuring even coverage.
- Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, occasionally spooning the glaze over the chicken.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove skillet from heat and let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Transfer chicken to serving plates and drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- Dry Chicken is Key: Always pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning. This ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and moisture.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken. The magic number is 165°F (74°C) – no more dry, overcooked chicken!
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Cook chicken in a single layer to ensure even browning. If your skillet is too small, cook in batches.
- Glaze Technique: Pour the maple mustard glaze gradually and spoon it over the chicken multiple times for maximum flavor infusion.
- Let It Rest: Always allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to adjust the maple syrup to Dijon mustard ratio to suit your taste preferences – more maple for sweetness, more mustard for tang.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: The fresh thyme isn't just for looks – it adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet and tangy glaze perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 245kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
