Maple Dijon Grilled Chicken (Printable)
A sweet and tangy grilled chicken featuring a maple syrup and Dijon mustard marinade, perfect for summer barbecues.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5 lbs)
→ Marinade
02 - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
03 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
10 - Fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified.
02 - Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, turning to coat all sides. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Prepare your grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
05 - Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in seconds but makes the chicken taste like you fussed over it for hours.
- It strikes that perfect balance between savory mustard and sweet maple that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
02 -
- Never reuse the leftover marinade that raw chicken has soaked in unless you boil it vigorously to kill bacteria.
- Patting the chicken slightly dry before grilling helps get those beautiful grill marks instead of a steamed surface.
03 -
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so take it out of the fridge twenty minutes before grilling.
- Clean your grill grates while they are hot with a wire brush for the best sear.