Grilled Maple-Glazed Chicken with Wisconsin Cranberry Relish

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts brushed with a sweet maple glaze, paired with a tangy cranberry and orange relish inspired by Wisconsin’s local flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves to create the glaze.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish and brush both sides generously with half of the maple glaze. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, zest and juice of 1 medium orange, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp finely diced red onion in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens into a relish. Remove from heat and cool.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, brushing with the remaining maple glaze halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the chilled cranberry-orange relish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Maple-Glazed Chicken with Wisconsin Cranberry Relish take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Grilled Maple-Glazed Chicken with Wisconsin Cranberry Relish?

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 pure maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Maple-Glazed Chicken with Wisconsin Cranberry Relish?

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 Grilled Maple-Glazed Chicken with Wisconsin Cranberry Relish 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 Grilled Maple-Glazed Chicken with Wisconsin Cranberry Relish?

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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