If you’re searching for that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory in one unforgettable dish, look no further than the Holy Yum Chicken Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious mustard-maple glaze that bakes to succulent perfection. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe never fails to bring smiles to the table with its vibrant flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Get ready to savor every bite of this warm, comforting dish that truly lives up to its enthusiastic name!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet purposeful ingredients sets the stage for this Holy Yum Chicken Recipe to shine. Each component plays a vital role—from the tangy Dijon to the rich maple syrup—making every flavor pop and every bite an absolute delight.
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Ideal for juicy, tender chicken that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, creamy tang that’s the backbone of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Brings a perfect sweet contrast to the mustard’s zest.
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar: Lends a mild acidity to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Infuses a subtle umami touch to round out the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional): For thickening the sauce into a luscious glaze.
How to Make Holy Yum Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat helps the chicken cook quickly while caramelizing the sauce beautifully. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce in a small bowl. This vibrant sauce is the star of the Holy Yum Chicken Recipe, combining a medley of sweet and tangy flavors that clings deliciously to every piece.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Season both sides of your chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is key for maximizing flavor, and it’s amazing how a simple sprinkle can elevate the entire dish.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Arrange the seasoned chicken in the baking dish in a single layer for even cooking. Pour the prepared sauce over the top, making sure every piece is generously coated. This ensures each bite delivers that signature Holy Yum Chicken Recipe taste.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and looks beautifully glazed. For an extra touch, remove the chicken and thicken the sauce with your cornstarch-water mixture heated briefly on the stove. Then, pour it back over the chicken for an irresistible finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Return the chicken to the thickened sauce or coat it generously as you plate. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs if you wish. Get ready for that divine combination of juicy chicken and rich, tangy glaze that makes this Holy Yum Chicken Recipe so crave-worthy.
How to Serve Holy Yum Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Holy Yum Chicken Recipe even further, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top. These herbs add a burst of color and a subtle freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that delectable sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also make excellent companions for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the chicken on a platter fringed with lemon wedges and scattered microgreens. You can even drizzle a little extra warmed sauce artistically over the top. This makes for an eye-catching presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Holy Yum Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy those leftovers without losing any flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this chicken freezes wonderfully. Store it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooled before freezing to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce while reheating will keep it moist and flavorful, making it taste almost freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Definitely! While thighs stay juicier, chicken breasts will also work. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup as alternative natural sweeteners. They’ll still give that lovely sweet balance to the sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just whisk it again before pouring over the chicken for baking.
What if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?
You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Both will add the necessary acidity to balance the sauce.
Is the cornstarch mixture really necessary?
It’s optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce. Otherwise, the sauce will be thinner but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! The Holy Yum Chicken Recipe is a fantastic blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chicken recipe that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Holy Yum Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Holy Yum Chicken is a deliciously tangy and sweet baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless skinless thighs coated in a flavorful blend of Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce. Baked to juicy perfection and optionally thickened with a glossy cornstarch sauce, this recipe offers an easy, comforting meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a tangy and sweet glaze for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, carefully remove the chicken from the baking dish. Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture, and heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the thickened sauce or pour the thick sauce over the chicken pieces. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest results; chicken breasts can be used but may be less tender.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of maple syrup to your taste preference.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free tamari.
- If you want a less sweet sauce, add a bit more rice wine vinegar or reduce maple syrup slightly.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
