This Maple Mustard Marinade is an easy and flavorful way to enhance your chicken dishes. The combination of real maple syrup and Dijon mustard creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with an added warmth from the tarragon and garlic. Marinate your chicken for just 30 minutes, and you’re ready to bake or grill. It’s a versatile recipe that works well for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling. Whether you bake it in the oven or toss it on the grill, this marinade ensures your chicken will be tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
This Maple Mustard Marinade brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors to your chicken, making it ideal for baking or grilling. The combination of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic ensures a tender and flavorful result.
INGREDIENTS
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon mild olive oil, helps blend the marinade and keeps the chicken moist.
- Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons real maple syrup, adds natural sweetness to the marinade.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon, gives a tangy, slightly sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- White Wine Vinegar: ½ tablespoon, adds acidity and balance to the marinade.
- Dried Tarragon: 1 teaspoon, for a subtle herbal note.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, to enhance the overall flavor.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced or pressed, for added depth and savory flavor.
- Chicken Breast: 1 medium-sized chicken breast (about 8 ounces), to be marinated and cooked.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, tarragon, salt, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined.
- Step 2:
- Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Lightly pound the thick end with a meat mallet (or rolling pin) to even out the thickness of the chicken breast.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken breast, close the bag, and move the chicken around to ensure it's fully coated with the marinade.
- Step 4:
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Step 5:
- To bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the rack. Bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 6:
- To grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 15 minutes, turning halfway, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, over a salad, or alongside rice for a complete meal.
- If baking, spoon any leftover juices from the baking tray over the chicken for added flavor.
- Store any leftover marinated (but uncooked) chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Helpful Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it in the fridge for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- This marinade also works well with other proteins, such as pork or tofu, for a vegetarian option.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends adding a splash of lemon juice to the marinade for extra brightness and acidity.
- Chef Ina Garten suggests grilling the chicken on medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring it cooks through evenly.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- This marinade combines sweet and tangy flavors, making it perfect for a wide range of dishes.
- It’s easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients that add big flavor.
- The chicken turns out juicy, tender, and delicious whether you bake or grill it.
VARIATIONS
- Try using honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly different sweet flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Experiment with different mustards, such as whole grain or spicy brown, for a unique twist on the classic marinade.