Maple Mustard Chicken is a a super quick and easy dinner that packs in a whole lot of flavor! Tangy dijon mustard and sweet maple syrup on juicy chicken is a delicious, flavorful combination that the whole family will love!

Maple Mustard Chicken
Looking at this Maple Mustard Chicken recipe, you might think, Okay, where's the rest? But this chicken really is just that easy to make. And it is indescribably delicious.
This Maple Mustard Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy. Juicy chicken thighs are smothered in a rich (but incredibly simple) maple-Dijon sauce and baked to perfection for an easy weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together in just minutes.
Love to grill? Try my Grilled Maple Dijon Chicken for a smoky, summer-ready spin on this classic flavor combo.
Whether you're looking for a new chicken recipe to shake up your dinner routine or want something quick, cozy, and crowd-pleasing, this one hits all the right notes.
What Cut of Chicken Should I Use?
This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and they’re a fantastic choice—super juicy, full of flavor, and nearly impossible to overcook. The richness of dark meat pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce.
But don’t worry—this recipe is flexible! Here’s how to choose the best cut for you:
- Boneless Skinless Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and quick-cooking. A great everyday option.
- Bone-In Thighs or Drumsticks: These cuts work wonderfully too! They take a bit longer to cook (add 10–15 minutes to the bake time), but the flavor is even richer. Be sure to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Chicken Breasts: A leaner option. If using breasts, watch closely to avoid drying them out—especially if they're on the thinner side. You can pound them to even thickness for more consistent cooking.
No matter what cut you choose, the maple mustard sauce works its magic and makes every bite irresistible.
Tips for the Best Maple Mustard Chicken
- Use pure maple syrup. Imitation syrups won’t give the same rich, caramelized flavor.
- Don’t skip the garlic — it adds depth and balances the sweetness.
- Want it creamier? Stir a couple of tablespoons of cream or sour cream into the sauce after baking for a velvety finish.
- Line your dish - Sticky sauce can make clean-up a chore! Simply line your baking dish with foil or parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze.

What to Serve with Maple Mustard Chicken
This sweet and savory chicken pairs beautifully with all kinds of sides—whether you’re craving something rich and creamy, light and fresh, or cozy and comforting.
Here are some favorite ideas to round out your meal:
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—these quick potatoes are an easy win.
- Boursin Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, herby, and loaded with flavor, these mashed potatoes elevate any plate.
- Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes: Fancy-looking, crisp, and buttery with minimal effort.
- Steamed Vegetables: A simple, healthy option to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Creamed Peas: A retro favorite that’s creamy, sweet, and surprisingly addictive.
- Bourbon Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots in a sticky-sweet bourbon glaze? Yes, please.
- Creamed Spinach: Velvety and rich, this classic side dish never goes out of style.
- Sauteed Zucchini and Squash: Light, buttery, and ready in minutes.
- Fresh Green Salad: Add some crunch and freshness with your favorite salad mix and a zippy vinaigrette.
Still hungry? Browse all of my side dish recipes here to find the perfect match for your meal.
More Easy Chicken Recipes You'll Love
- Mushroom Chicken Bake - Juicy baked chicken smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce with savory herbs—easy comfort food at its best.
- Romesco Chicken - Bold and flavorful chicken topped with a smoky homemade roasted red pepper Romesco sauce. Weeknight dinner with a Spanish twist!
- Crockpot Chicken Marsala - A slow cooker twist on the classic Italian dish—tender chicken simmered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas - An easy one-pan dinner with seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onions—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Chicken Stir Fry - Quick, colorful, and full of flavor, this stir fry is loaded with fresh veggies and tossed in a savory homemade sauce.
Maple Mustard Chicken Video

Maple Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place chicken thighs in a lined 9"x13" baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, Salt and pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together, mustard, maple syrup, and vinegar.⅓ cup Dijon mustard, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- With a pastry brush, brush all of the sauce mixture over chicken.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Take the chicken out and brush the sauce over it once more. The sauce will just be starting to crust. Bake again for 15 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is completely cooked through.
- Brush sauce over chicken once more. Serve warm.
Notes
- Maple Syrup: Use real pure maple syrup for best results.
- Line your pan! This recipe is delicious but clean up can be messy as the sauce thickens and gets sticky as it bakes. Simply line your baking dish with foil or parchment paper to make clean-up a breeze.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, spooning extra sauce over the top to keep it moist.
- Freezer Directions: Freeze baked chicken and sauce in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Nutrition
UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in April 2018. It was updated with new pictures, tips, and video and republished in September 2025.
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Miz Helen says
This recipe looks delicious! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again real soon!
Miz Helen
Jacque says
I have shared this recipe with friends in MN and NC...it’s that good! I understand about wanting to lick the dish as I have wantedto do the same.
Michelle says
I am so glad you liked it! I think this is probably one of the most under-appreciated recipes on the site. But our family LOVES it. I'm glad you found it and love it too! 🙂