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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved The main ingredients for One Pan Maple Dijon Chicken create a sweet and savory dish. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. The Dijon mustard adds a zesty flavor. The pure maple syrup brings sweetness that balances the tangy mustard. For additional ingredients, olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist. Garlic adds a rich aroma and taste. Apple cider vinegar gives a slight tang that rounds out the flavors. Seasonings and vegetables make this dish colorful and healthy. Dried thyme offers a warm, earthy note. Smoked paprika provides a hint of smokiness. Baby spinach adds a pop of green and nutrients. Red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes add sweetness and crunch. Using these ingredients ensures a delicious meal that is easy to make. Each component plays a role in making the dish shine. Enjoy combining these flavors for a tasty weeknight dinner! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This sauce will give the chicken a sweet and tangy taste. Make sure the chicken is well-coated when you add it later. Next, take your chicken thighs and place them in a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. It is key to ensure that each piece is coated evenly. For best results, let the chicken marinate in the fridge. Aim for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 4 hours. This helps the flavors soak into the chicken. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, making sure to reserve the leftover marinade. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until you see a golden-brown crust. Next, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach around the chicken. Finally, pour the reserved marinade evenly over the chicken and veggies. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To achieve the perfect sear on chicken, start with a hot skillet. Use medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. This gives a nice golden-brown crust. Avoid moving the chicken too much; let it sit to get that great sear. To ensure chicken is cooked through, you need to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F (74°C). This keeps the chicken juicy and safe to eat. After baking, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the meat. For plating, you can serve straight from the skillet for a rustic look. Alternatively, use a large platter to showcase the chicken and vegetables. Drizzle any remaining sauce on top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley to add color. For complementary side dishes, consider serving this chicken with roasted potatoes or a simple green salad. The crunchy greens balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. Rice or quinoa also pairs nicely, soaking up the delicious sauce. One common mistake is over-marinating the chicken. While marinating adds flavor, too long can make the chicken mushy. Aim for 30 minutes to 4 hours for the best texture. Another mistake is incorrect oven temperature. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking. If the temperature is too low, the chicken won't cook evenly. If it's too high, the outside may burn while the inside remains undercooked. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This gives the flavors time to penetrate the meat. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or asparagus, for a personalized touch. Just ensure they're cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to maintain texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken if you want. Try using chicken breasts instead of thighs. They cook faster and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can also use turkey thighs or breasts. Both options give you a tasty dish. Adding different veggies can change the dish. You might try zucchini or asparagus for a new taste. Carrots or broccoli also work well in this recipe. Feel free to add your favorite herbs, too. Basil or rosemary can bring a fresh vibe. You can even mix in some chili flakes for a spicy kick! If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free Dijon mustard. Most pure maple syrups are already gluten-free, so you’re safe there. For those on low-sugar diets, cut back on the maple syrup. You can substitute with a sugar-free syrup. This keeps the flavor without the extra sugar. Adjust the vinegar to balance the taste and enjoy! To keep your One Pan Maple Dijon Chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Let the dish cool to room temperature. - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for safety. - Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method keeps the chicken moist and tasty. When reheating, aim to preserve the chicken’s juicy flavor. Here are some methods: - Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through. - Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes. - Skillet: Reheat on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 days. You can freeze this dish to enjoy later. Consider these tips: - Cooked Chicken: Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place in a freezer-safe bag. It lasts up to 3 months. - Uncooked Chicken: Marinate the chicken, then freeze it in the marinade for the best taste. Use within 3 months. - Thawing: For best quality, thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep it safe. These methods ensure your One Pan Maple Dijon Chicken stays delicious and ready for your next meal! Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to soak in. For better taste, marinate for up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken will have. Just keep it in the fridge while it sits. Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken the night before. You can also chop the veggies early. Just keep everything in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, it will be simple and quick. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Roasted potatoes - Mixed greens salad - Garlic bread Choose what you love best to make your meal complete! This blog covered how to create a delicious One Pan Maple Dijon Chicken. We explored key ingredients, like chicken thighs and maple syrup, and learned simple steps for marinating and cooking. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and ideas for delicious side dishes. In the end, this recipe is flexible. You can swap proteins or add veggies to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with this dish!

One Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring marinated chicken thighs, colorful vegetables, and a sweet and tangy sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor).
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs (reserve the marinade) and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
  • Add Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium, then add the sliced red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach to the skillet, distributing them around the chicken.
  • Bake: Pour the reserved marinade evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
  • Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic feel, or plate the chicken and vegetables on a large platter, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for added color.
Keyword chicken, dijon, easy, maple, one pan