Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple and Thyme
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet-tangy maple-apple glaze, finished with fresh thyme for a simple yet elegant dish. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) Chicken breasts, tablespoons Maple syrup, tablespoon Dijon mustard 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 ounces each) Chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons Maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider
- 1 teaspoon (minced) Fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, whisk together 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider, and 1 teaspoon minced thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, turning to coat evenly with the glaze. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple and Thyme?
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 tablespoons maple syrup from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple and Thyme?
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 Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple and Thyme 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 Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple and Thyme?
American one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is now a weekly dinner! The thyme and apple combo is amazing and it's so easy to make in one pot.
- ★★★★★
Amazing! Will make again.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a busy weeknight. The whole house smelled amazing while cooking!