Description
This Maple Glazed Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy maple syrup glaze infused with garlic and ginger. Perfectly pan-seared to a golden brown and finished with a luscious sauce, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 16 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts), sliced in half lengthwise
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
Maple Glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper evenly to enhance natural flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, maple syrup, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, cornstarch, and water. Whisk continuously to dissolve the cornstarch and cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Glaze Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them gently to coat thoroughly with the warm maple glaze, ensuring an even and flavorful coating.
- Serve: Plate the glazed chicken immediately while warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy as is or paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze, allow the sauce to simmer a bit longer until it reaches desired consistency.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a different tangy twist.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and gently reheated.
