Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Maple Mustard Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts brushed with a rich bourbon glaze and served with a tangy maple mustard sauce. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, bourbon, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup bourbon, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 minced garlic clove and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes until syrupy and slightly thickened; set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush each chicken breast with 1 tbsp olive oil and place on the grill. Cook for 5 minutes on the first side until grill marks form.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and brush with the bourbon glaze you prepared. Grill for another 5-6 minutes, basting with more glaze every 2 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: While chicken grills, whisk together 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to make the maple mustard sauce.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each breast drizzled with 2 tbsp maple mustard sauce for a balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Maple Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Maple Mustard Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Maple Mustard Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Maple Mustard Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bourbon-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Maple Mustard Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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