If you are craving a dish that strikes the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory, the Yum Yum Chicken with Dijon Maple Glaze Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This irresistible chicken recipe combines the bold, creamy flavors of Dijon mustard with the rich natural sweetness of pure maple syrup. Every bite delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs coated with a luscious caramelized glaze that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Yum Yum Chicken with Dijon Maple Glaze Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each item is carefully chosen to create a harmonious flavor profile and ensure the chicken remains moist and flavorful. Gather these simple staples and you’ll be well on your way to a mouthwatering meal.
- ½ cup Dijon mustard: Choose Grey Poupon or your favorite high-quality brand for a smooth, tangy base.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that gorgeous caramelized finish.
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly; adjust based on your preference.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons the chicken evenly.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The tender, juicy texture of thighs is ideal for soaking up the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the glaze for a glossy, irresistible sauce.
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary: Brightens the dish with an aromatic, herbaceous note as a finishing touch.
How to Make Yum Yum Chicken with Dijon Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). To keep things simple and mess-free, line an 8×8-inch oven-proof pan with two layers of tin foil. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning a breeze, letting you focus on the deliciousness ahead.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, salt, and ground black pepper until completely smooth. Give it a quick taste and tweak it if you desire a tangier kick or a sweeter finish. This sauce will be the star player that elevates your chicken from ordinary to unforgettable.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Gently place your chicken thighs into the prepared pan, then pour the sauce evenly over them. Use a spoon or your hands to turn each piece so every inch is luxuriously coated. This ensures every bite is packed with that signature tangy and sweet flavor combination.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Pop the pan into your preheated oven uncovered, and let it bake for 40 minutes. As the heat works its magic, the glaze thickens and caramelizes, locking in moisture and developing a beautiful golden color. Your kitchen will be filled with such inviting aromas, it’ll be hard not to eagerly peek inside.
Step 5: Rest and Prepare the Sauce
After baking, carefully remove the pan and allow the chicken to rest for five minutes. This step helps retain the juices inside the meat. Then transfer the tender thighs to a serving plate, but be sure to keep the flavorful liquid in the pan as it’s going to turn into your rich sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
While the pan is still hot, whisk one tablespoon of cornstarch into the cooking liquid. The heat will help the sauce thicken nicely and develop a glossy, irresistible sheen. If the sauce seems too thin, you can add a bit more cornstarch, whisking continuously until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle the luscious Dijon maple glaze generously over the plated chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary to add a pop of color and an aromatic boost that truly elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor. Now you’re ready to dive into this unforgettable meal!
How to Serve Yum Yum Chicken with Dijon Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of fresh rosemary adds a lovely herbal aroma and a burst of color that complements the golden glaze beautifully. You can also add a slight zest of lemon peel for a citrusy twist that lifts the dish further.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Think fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up extra glaze, roasted seasonal vegetables for added earthiness, or even a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Each complement enhances the Yum Yum Chicken with Dijon Maple Glaze Recipe without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the chicken over a bed of wild rice or quinoa to add texture and nutty flavors. For a fun twist, try piling the chicken atop buttered noodles or wrap it in a flatbread with fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce. Presentation is your playground here, so have fun making it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken stays delicious in the fridge for up to four days, making it a perfect meal prep option or next-day lunch that tastes just as good.
Freezing
If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, you prevent texture changes and keep everything fresh for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving as it may dry the chicken out—slow heating preserves that tender texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful to not overcook them since they dry out faster than thighs. Adjust baking time accordingly and consider marinating them a bit longer for extra flavor.
Is there a substitute for rice wine vinegar?
If you don’t have rice wine vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used. Just start with a little less and adjust to taste, as these alternatives may be a bit more acidic.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the Dijon maple glaze in advance saves time on busy days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Give it a good whisk before coating the chicken to recombine any separated ingredients.
What if I don’t have corn starch for thickening?
You can use flour as a thickening agent instead. Make a slurry by mixing flour with a little cold water, then whisk it into the hot sauce slowly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Can this recipe be cooked on a grill?
While the chicken could be grilled, you won’t get the same caramelized glaze effect without the oven’s steady heat. If using a grill, consider finishing the glazed chicken in a covered pan or oven to allow the sauce to thicken properly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines vibrant flavors with easy preparation, the Yum Yum Chicken with Dijon Maple Glaze Recipe is a fantastic candidate. It offers a spectacular blend of tang, sweetness, and herbaceous notes that make it genuinely memorable. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and share it with your loved ones — trust me, this one is a keeper!
Print
Yum Yum Chicken with Dijon Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Yum Yum Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a deliciously tangy and sweet Dijon mustard and maple syrup glaze. Baked to perfection and finished with a rosemary garnish, it’s an easy yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup (125 g) Dijon mustard (preferably Grey Poupon)
- ¼ cup (59 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (seasoned or unseasoned)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken and Garnish
- 2 pounds (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (most fat trimmed and discarded)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line an 8×8-inch oven-proof pan with two layers of tin foil to simplify cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs evenly in the prepared pan. Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning each piece to ensure thorough coating on all sides.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered for 40 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the chicken to cook through.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before transferring the pieces to a serving plate. Keep the cooking liquid in the pan.
- Thicken the Sauce: While the liquid in the pan is hot, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. The heat will help thicken the sauce. Add more cornstarch if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.
Notes
- Use seasoned or unseasoned rice wine vinegar depending on your preferred level of tanginess.
- For a thicker or sweeter glaze, adjust the amount of maple syrup or mustard to taste.
- Make sure to trim excess fat from the chicken thighs for a leaner dish and better sauce texture.
- Covering the pan with foil before baking is not recommended as the sauce needs to caramelize and thicken during baking.
