Easy Maple-Glazed Chicken Recipe for a Memorable Easter Feast

Crafting a delectable maple-glazed chicken recipe brings pure culinary magic to your holiday table.

Sweet and savory notes dance together in this irresistible dish.

Tender chicken pieces gleam with a golden, caramelized coating that promises incredible flavor.

Maple syrup provides a delightful depth that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Regional maple traditions inspire this crowd-pleasing main course that feels both familiar and special.

Spring celebrations deserve something memorable, and you’ll find this recipe hits all the right notes.

Every bite tells a story of comfort and celebration.

What Makes Maple-Glazed Chicken Perfect for Easter

• Craft a Festive Feast: Elevate your Easter celebration with this show-stopping maple-glazed chicken that brings gourmet flavors to your holiday table.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, reducing kitchen stress.
• Impress Your Guests: The beautiful golden-brown glaze and complex flavor profile will make you look like a professional chef without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Option: Pair this chicken with roasted vegetables, salad, or rice for a complete meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this festive Easter dish.

• Maple Syrup: Sweet natural syrup that provides a rich, caramelized glaze for the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Savory condiment that adds depth and umami flavor to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that helps tenderize the chicken and balance the sweetness.

• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a sharp, warming flavor profile to the marinade.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Neutral oil used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.

How to Make Maple-Glazed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Base

• Maple syrup
• Soy sauce
• Freshly minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together until they create a smooth, fragrant marinade.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken With Marinade

Place chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.

Step 3: Preheat Cooking Station

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the center position.

This ensures even cooking and perfect temperature distribution.

Step 4: Create Golden Exterior

Select an oven-safe skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken breasts into the hot pan, searing each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 5: Finish With Baking

Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken breasts.

Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains incredibly moist and flavorful.

Tips for Maple-Glazed Chicken

• Sear chicken breasts quickly to lock in juices and create a beautiful golden crust before baking.
• Let chicken sit in the marinade for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for perfect, safe cooking.
• Brush extra maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent burning while adding a beautiful caramelized finish.
• Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum moisture.

Variations for Maple-Glazed Chicken

• Low-Sodium Version: Replace regular soy sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to cut salt content while maintaining flavor depth.
• Honey Alternative: Swap maple syrup with raw honey for a similar sweet glaze and added natural antibacterial properties.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired chicken preparation.

Pairings for Maple-Glazed Chicken

• Crisp roasted asparagus, honey-glazed carrots, and herb-infused sweet potatoes complement the sweet and savory chicken flavors perfectly.
• Select a crisp Riesling or Pinot Grigio to balance the maple's sweetness and cut through the rich chicken glaze, enhancing every bite's complexity.
• Prepare fluffy quinoa or wild rice pilaf with toasted almonds to absorb the delicious maple-soy marinade and provide a nutty, textural contrast.

Proper Storage for Maple-Glazed Chicken

• Store leftover maple-glazed chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in baking dish, add splash of chicken broth to retain moisture. Cover with foil, warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I use a different type of syrup if I don't have maple syrup?

While maple syrup gives a unique flavor, you can substitute with honey or brown sugar mixed with a little water. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor. If you’re short on time, you can reduce the marinating time to 15 minutes, but longer marination (up to 2 hours) will result in more flavorful chicken.

Maple-Glazed Chicken Recipe For Easter

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Delightful maple-glazed chicken brings springtime elegance to Easter tables with rich Canadian maple flavors. Succulent roasted chicken dressed in sweet glaze promises a memorable meal you’ll savor and share with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Glaze and Marinade:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) fresh ginger, grated
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Finely mince garlic and ginger, creating a fragrant base for the maple glaze.
2. Whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, minced aromatics, lemon juice, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
3. Submerge chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
4. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 375°F (190°C).
5. Select an oven-safe skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Carefully place marinated chicken breasts in the skillet, searing each side until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Drizzle remaining marinade evenly over the chicken, coating surfaces completely.
8. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Adjust the maple syrup quantity based on your preferred sweetness level, ensuring a balanced flavor profile without overwhelming the savory notes.
• Select high-quality, pure maple syrup for an authentic and rich taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Opt for bone-in chicken breasts to maintain moisture and enhance the overall juiciness of the meat during baking.
• Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake while preserving the recipe’s delicious umami undertones.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 372 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg