Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece that's both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. Our Maple Sauce Chicken Breasts are about to become your new go-to recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a meal that looks impressive, tastes phenomenal, and will have everyone at your dinner table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and a nice crust forms.
- Flip chicken breasts and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the second side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard to create the sauce.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Pour maple-mustard sauce into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to create a slightly thickened glaze.
- Drizzle the warm maple sauce over the chicken breasts and serve immediately.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry meat.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Use paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The key to perfectly cooked chicken is reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) – no guesswork needed!
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and promote proper browning.
- Let the Meat Rest: Allowing chicken to rest 3-4 minutes after cooking helps redistribute juices, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to adjust the maple syrup to Dijon mustard ratio to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 305kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
