Ingredients
Method
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can pound them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and pourable.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour about two-thirds of the glaze over them, reserving the rest for basting. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor).
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
Notes
Use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for best flavor. Allow chicken to rest after cooking for juicier results. For crispy exterior, broil for last 2-3 minutes. Can marinate up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
