If you’re looking for a dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, and utterly comforting—you’ve got to try this Yum Yum Chicken with Maple-Dijon Sauce Recipe. It’s an incredible combination of tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a luscious sauce made from sharp Dijon mustard and rich maple syrup, balanced by just a touch of vinegar and seasoning. This recipe is not only a breeze to prepare but also packs a flavor punch that will have you coming back for seconds every time. Trust me, it’s a delicious way to impress your family or treat yourself on any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in building the layers of taste and texture that make this dish so memorable. From the creamy tang of Dijon to the natural sweetness of maple syrup, everything comes together to create magic in the kitchen.
- Dijon mustard (½ cup / 125 g): A sharp and creamy mustard like Grey Poupon brings that unmistakable tang and depth to the sauce.
- Pure maple syrup (¼ cup / 59 ml): Adds a warm, natural sweetness that balances the mustard’s sharpness perfectly.
- Rice wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce a subtle brightness; use seasoned for mild tang or unseasoned if you want to control acidity more closely.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and aromatic warmth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds / 907 g): The juicy fattiness of thighs stand up beautifully to the bold sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce into a glossy finish after baking.
- Fresh rosemary (2 teaspoons): A fragrant herb that brings a lovely fresh note as a garnish.
How to Make Yum Yum Chicken with Maple-Dijon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Take an 8×8-inch ovenproof pan and line it with two layers of tin foil to make cleanup super easy and prevent the chicken from sticking. This little prep step will save you time and stress later on.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and silky. Taste it and tweak the seasoning if needed—you can add a little more vinegar for tang or maple syrup for sweetness. This sauce is where the magic happens, so get it just right!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in your prepared pan and pour the sauce all over them. Make sure to turn the thighs around so each piece is fully coated with that delicious maple-Dijon goodness. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken uncovered for a solid 40 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and thicken slightly while the chicken cooks to juicy perfection. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure heaven—and a surefire sign you made the right dinner choice!
Step 5: Rest and Prepare the Sauce
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then, transfer the chicken onto a serving plate but keep all that flavorful liquid right in the pan—it’s about to become sauce royalty.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
While the pan liquid is still hot, whisk in one tablespoon of cornstarch. The heat will activate the cornstarch and thicken the sauce into a glossy, velvety coating. If you want the sauce thicker, don’t hesitate to add a little more cornstarch, whisking between additions for the perfect consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle this thickened maple-Dijon sauce over the rested chicken thighs and sprinkle with fresh rosemary for a burst of fragrance and color. Now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Yum Yum Chicken with Maple-Dijon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh rosemary is all you need to elevate the presentation and add a subtle herbal aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy sauce. If you want to get creative, you could also add a few lemon zest curls or chopped chives for extra color and brightness.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, a fresh green salad for crispness, or even roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to keep things balanced and vibrant. Rice or quinoa also soak up the sauce nicely, making every bite satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating the chicken on a bed of fluffy couscous or wild rice pilaf, drizzle the sauce artfully across the plate, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Alternatively, shred the chicken after baking for a delicious sandwich filling or taco topping that brings a sweet-savory twist to casual meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Yum Yum Chicken with Maple-Dijon Sauce Recipe keeps well in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches or dinner reheat options.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes nicely. Store the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Use within 2 to 3 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as slow reheating preserves the sauce’s texture and chicken’s juiciness far better.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
You can absolutely use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook faster and tend to be leaner, which could affect the sauce’s richness and the overall juiciness. Watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out.
Is Grey Poupon Dijon mustard necessary?
Grey Poupon is recommended because of its balanced, quality flavor, but you can use any Dijon mustard you prefer. Just choose one with a good sharpness and smooth texture to complement the maple syrup.
How can I adjust the tanginess of the sauce?
If you want more tang, use unseasoned rice wine vinegar or add a splash more vinegar. For a milder taste, use seasoned vinegar or reduce the amount slightly. Taste and adjust before coating the chicken.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the sauce and coat the chicken a few hours ahead, keep it refrigerated, then bake right before serving. Just bring it to room temperature to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as a cornstarch substitute to thicken the sauce. Alternatively, simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally, though this requires more attention to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Yum Yum Chicken with Maple-Dijon Sauce Recipe. It’s approachable, vibrant, and so satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect any time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite chicken dish to cherish and share.
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Yum Yum Chicken with Maple-Dijon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Yum Yum Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful sauce made with Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, and rice wine vinegar. Baked to perfection, the chicken is caramelized with a tangy-sweet glaze and finished with a fresh rosemary garnish. Perfect for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner in under an hour.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup (125 g) Dijon mustard (preferably Grey Poupon)
- ¼ cup (59 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (seasoned or unseasoned)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 2 pounds (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (most fat trimmed and discarded)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line an 8×8-inch oven-proof pan with 2 layers of tin foil to ensure easy cleanup and to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning or tanginess by adding more vinegar if desired.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the prepared pan. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, turning each thigh to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the chicken to cook through fully.
- Rest and Prepare the Sauce: Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate, but keep the liquid sauce left in the pan.
- Thicken the Sauce: While the liquid is still hot, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into the sauce in the pan. The residual heat will help thicken it. If the sauce is not thick enough, gradually add a bit more cornstarch, whisking continuously until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and finish by sprinkling fresh rosemary on top. Serve warm for a delicious, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use seasoned or unseasoned rice wine vinegar depending on your preferred level of tanginess; adjust accordingly.
- Trimming excess fat from chicken thighs helps reduce grease in the pan and results in a cleaner flavor.
- Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce to prevent lumps.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking, if time allows.
