Holy Yum Chicken features tender, juicy chicken thighs covered in a sweet, savory maple-Dijon sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, with just a few simple ingredients creating an irresistible dish. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to lick your plate clean!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this dish comes together in no time.
- Savory-Sweet Sauce: The combination of Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and rice vinegar creates a unique sauce that is both tangy and sweet.
- Minimal Ingredients: The recipe uses only 6 simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a foolproof dinner that everyone will love, making it great for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with two layers of aluminum foil.
- In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in the prepared pan and coat them thoroughly with the sauce.
- Bake the chicken for 40 minutes.
- After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a plate.
- Whisk cornstarch into the remaining sauce in the pan to thicken it.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and garnish with rosemary.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Use Chicken Breasts: You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts but reduce the cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables to make the meal more filling.
- Use Different Vinegar: Feel free to use apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use bone-in thighs. The cooking time will remain the same.
Can I make this with chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken breasts work as a substitute but reduce the cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
Is it okay to use imitation maple syrup?
For best results, use pure maple syrup as the flavor makes a big difference.
Can I freeze this chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Whisk in a bit more cornstarch into the hot cooking liquid, and it will thicken up.
Can I use a different mustard?
Dijon mustard is key for flavor, but you can use spicy brown mustard for a slightly different taste.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What should I serve with this chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
How do I make the sauce more tangy?
Increase the amount of rice vinegar for more tang in the sauce.
Can I skip the rosemary garnish?
Yes, you can skip the rosemary if you prefer, but it adds a nice aromatic touch.
Conclusion
Holy Yum Chicken is a simple yet delicious dinner option that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a great addition to any weeknight meal rotation. The rich sauce and tender chicken will make this dish a family favorite.
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Holy Yum Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Holy Yum Chicken features juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory maple-Dijon sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, this easy, flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with two layers of aluminum foil. -
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. -
Coat the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in the prepared pan and coat them thoroughly with the sauce. -
Bake the Chicken:
Bake the chicken for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). -
Rest the Chicken:
After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before transferring it to a plate. -
Thicken the Sauce:
Whisk cornstarch into the remaining sauce in the pan to thicken it, then pour the sauce over the chicken. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh rosemary, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken Breasts: You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
- Vinegar Alternatives: Use apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar for a different flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too runny, add more cornstarch to thicken it to your desired consistency.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
