Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Northwoods Mustard Sauce

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

Grilled chicken thighs brushed with a sweet maple glaze and served alongside a tangy whole grain mustard sauce inspired by northern flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp whole grain mustard, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to make the glaze and sauce.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
  3. Step 3: Brush chicken thighs with 1 tbsp olive oil and place on the grill. Cook for 6 minutes per side, brushing with the maple glaze mixture every 2 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil into the leftover maple-mustard mixture to create a creamy sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken thighs drizzled with the mustard sauce alongside your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

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

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Northwoods 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 Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Northwoods 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 Maple-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Northwoods 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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