This maple glazed chicken recipe uses 7 ingredients to make tender chicken coated in a rich, sweet maple glaze, with added layers of flavor from tart lemon and nutty almonds.
Table of Contents
With only 7 simple ingredients, this maple glazed chicken is a winner when you want a meal that’s packed with flavor but quick and easy to make. The combination of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of tangy lemon is so good, and it actually reminds me of a healthier version of General Tso’s chicken. Pair with steamed rice and a kale salad for a complete meal.
Love the sound of this recipe? Then you’ll also want to try my maple glazed carrots. And for more delicious baked chicken meals, try my chicken divan and baked chicken parmesan recipe.
This chicken recipe comes from one of my all-time favorite kitchen resources: “The Maple Syrup Cookbook,” published by the Michigan Maple Syrup Association nearly twenty years ago. This little book is extremely informative about using pure maple syrup in your cooking (I love, love maple syrup!) or baking, including these chewy maple cookies from 2015.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Just like my favorite chicken alfredo this recipe is a snap to put together. Just mix up the glaze, pour it over the chicken, and bake. It’s that simple!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of sweet maple syrup, butter, and zesty lemon makes for a glaze that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, slivered almonds adds a nice crunch to the dish.
- Family Favorite: This maple glazed chicken is a hit with the whole family. It’s a great way to switch up your chicken dinner routine.
- Comfort Food: There’s something about the combination of maple and butter that just screams comfort. This dish is the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly evening.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: These will be the star of the show, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the glaze and turning out juicy and tender.
- Pure Maple Syrup: This is the key to the recipe, adding a sweet, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Butter: Melt it, and it will add a lusciously creamy element to the glaze, making it even more irresistible.
- Slivered Almonds: These will bring a crunchy texture to the dish and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Grated Lemon Rinds: These will add a zesty, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: These are the essential seasonings that will bring out the flavors of the other ingredients, making the dish more vibrant and delicious.
Equipment
- Shallow Baking Pan – You’ll need this to place the chicken breasts in and to pour the maple glaze over.
- Meat Thermometer – This is crucial to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re cooked through but still juicy.
How to Make Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe
Preparation
To start, preheat your oven to 375˚. This is the temperature at which you’ll bake your chicken to juicy, flavorful perfection.
Step 1 – Arrange the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of a shallow baking pan. This will be the base from which all the delicious flavors of the maple glaze will infuse into the meat.
Step 2 – Make and Add the Maple Glaze
In a separate bowl, mix all the remaining ingredients. Once combined, pour this sweet and savory sauce over the top of your chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 3 – Bake the Chicken
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 35 – 45 minutes. Remember to baste at least twice during cooking. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step 4 – Check the Temperature
You’ll know your chicken is ready when the internal temperature of the breast reaches 160 degrees. At this point, remove the pan from the oven.
Step 5 – Let the Chicken Rest
Cover the pan with foil and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that your chicken is juicy and tender.
Step 6 – Serve the Chicken
After the resting period, your maple glazed chicken is ready to serve. You can serve it over a bed of rice or butter noodles to soak up the extra glaze. A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Expert Tip
To ensure your maple glazed chicken is perfectly juicy and flavorful, basting is key. Throughout the cooking process, take the time to baste the chicken with the delicious maple glaze at least twice. This will help to keep the meat moist and infuse it with the sweet, tangy flavors of the glaze.
Recipe Variations
- Different Nuts: The recipe calls for slivered almonds, but feel free to use your favorite nuts. Pecans or walnuts would add a delicious crunch to the dish.
- Spicier Version: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple glaze. It will give your chicken a spicy, sweet flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Grilled Chicken: While the recipe is written for baked chicken, you can also grill the chicken breasts. The smokiness from the grill adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
What to Serve With
- For a comforting and hearty meal, serve your maple glazed chicken over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to the sweet and sticky chicken.
- If you’re a fan of pasta, try serving this dish with al dente buttery noodles. The subtle flavor of the noodles complements the maple glaze, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- If you want to add some freshness to your plate, serve the chicken with a side of crisp kale salad. The vibrant, crunchy salad is a great contrast to the rich, sweet chicken.
- You can also serve it over a bed of instant pot rice. The fluffy, slightly sticky rice is a great vehicle for soaking up the extra maple glaze, making every bite full of flavor.
Recipe FAQs
You can use any type of pure maple syrup for this recipe, but the darker and more robust the syrup, the stronger the maple flavor will be in the glazed chicken.
Yes, feel free to substitute the slivered almonds with a different type of nut, such as chopped pecans or walnuts. You can also leave the nuts out altogether if you have a nut allergy.
Yes, basting the chicken with the maple glaze is important as it helps to keep the meat moist and infuses it with sweet and tangy flavors. Make sure to baste at least twice during the cooking process for the best results.
Yes, you can. Just be mindful that the cooking time may vary, and it’s important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for thighs.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: You can store any leftover maple glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. After it has completely cooled, you can place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen maple glazed chicken, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Reheating: Once it’s thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent burning.
More Chicken Dinner Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This maple glazed chicken recipe yields a delicious dish for 4 people.
- How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve more than 4, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Just make sure your baking pan is large enough to accommodate all the chicken breasts without overcrowding.
Maple Glazed Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless skinless
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Place your chicken breasts in the bottom of a shallow baking pan. Mix all remaining ingredients and pour the sauce over top of the chicken.
- Bake the chicken for 35 – 45 minutes in a 375˚ preheated oven, basting at least twice during cooking. When the internal temperature of the breast reaches 160 degrees, remove the pan from the oven.
- Cover the pan with foil, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve the chicken over top of rice or butter noodles and garnish.
There is no oven temperature listed in the recipe or directions
Sorry! It’s 375˚ F. It’s mentioned in the post but I forgot to place it in the recipe card. Good catch! Thanks!