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The Sweet and Tangy Maple Mustard Marinade gives your chicken a mouth-watering blend of flavors that's just right for grilling or baking. You'll get juicy, tasty meat thanks to the mix of maple, Dijon, and garlic working their magic together.
What You'll Need
- Mild Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, blends everything together and keeps your chicken juicy.
- Real Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons for that natural sweetness your marinade needs.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon to add that zippy kick that works so well with the sweet maple.
- Garlic: 1 clove, smashed or finely chopped, adding depth and savory goodness.
- White Wine Vinegar: ½ tablespoon to cut through richness and balance everything out.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon to wake up all the other flavors.
- Dried Tarragon: 1 teaspoon for a hint of herby freshness.
- Chicken Breast: 1 medium piece (around 8 ounces) that'll soak up all these yummy flavors.
Steps to Follow
- Step 1:
- Mix the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, white wine vinegar, salt, and tarragon in a bowl until everything's combined.
- Step 2:
- Put your chicken on a cutting board with plastic wrap over it. Gently flatten the thick part using a meat mallet or rolling pin so it's all the same thickness.
- Step 3:
- Pour your marinade into a zip-top bag. Drop in the chicken, seal it up, and squish it around so the chicken gets completely covered.
- Step 4:
- Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really sink in.
- Step 5:
- For baking: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with foil and put a wire rack on it. Take the chicken out of the marinade, place it on the rack, and bake about 25 minutes until it hits 165°F (74°C) inside.
- Step 6:
- For grilling: Get your grill medium-hot. Take the chicken from the marinade and cook it about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway, until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
Serving and Storage Ideas
- Pair your chicken with some roasted veggies, toss it on a salad, or serve with rice for a complete dinner.
- When baking, drizzle any pan juices over your finished chicken for extra flavor punch.
- Raw marinated chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.
- Already cooked? Your chicken will stay good for up to 3 days when kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
Good to Know
- You'll get tastier results if you let it marinate at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours in the fridge will really boost the flavor.
- Don't eat meat? This marinade works great with pork or even tofu if you want a veggie option.
Expert Kitchen Advice
- Gordon Ramsay says you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to make the flavors pop even more.
- Ina Garten thinks medium heat is best when grilling this chicken so it cooks through without burning the outside.
What Makes This So Good
- The sweet-tangy combo works with tons of different meals and sides.
- You won't need fancy stuff or complicated steps to make something that tastes amazing.
- No matter if you bake or grill, your chicken turns out moist and packed with flavor.
Mix It Up
- Swap the maple syrup for honey if you want a different kind of sweetness.
- Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme to change up the flavor profile.
- Try whole grain or spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon for a fun twist on the basic marinade.