Description
Holy Yum Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a tangy and sweet sauce made from Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined to create a tangy and sweet sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the baking dish. Transfer the sauce to a small pan and heat it on the stovetop while stirring in the cornstarch and water mixture until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the thickened sauce or pour the sauce over the chicken. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- The cornstarch mixture is optional but recommended if you like a thicker sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make a great garnish to enhance freshness.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy during baking.
