If you are craving a dish that hits all the right notes—tangy, sweet, and savory—look no further than this Holy Yum Chicken Recipe. It’s a fantastic combination of tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious, sticky sauce made from Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, and a splash of soy and vinegar that elevate the flavors beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish has that perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds, making it a true keeper in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Holy Yum Chicken Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the rich, juicy chicken thighs to the tangy Dijon mustard and sweet maple syrup, every component brings something special to the table.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during baking.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy sharpness that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Pure maple syrup: Infuses the dish with natural sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish.
- Rice wine vinegar: Lends a subtle acidity that brightens up the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Brings depth and umami for a well-rounded taste profile.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (optional): Great for thickening the sauce if you prefer a more glaze-like consistency.
How to Make Holy Yum Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a high 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the chicken will cook quickly while getting a slight caramelization on the sauce. Line your baking dish with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and perfect even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce in a small bowl until you have a smooth, well-blended sauce. This mixture is the heart of the Holy Yum Chicken Recipe, packing a punch of bold flavors that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Generously season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy here—the simple seasoning helps build the foundational flavor of the dish and complements the sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in your foil-lined baking dish. Pour the sauce evenly over each piece, making sure every bit of chicken is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly, creating that irresistible sticky coating the Holy Yum Chicken Recipe is famous for.
Step 6: Optional Sauce Thickening
If you love a thicker glaze, remove the chicken once it’s cooked and pour the sauce into a small pan. Add the cornstarch and water mixture, then simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking. Return the chicken to the dish and drizzle with the luscious sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
How to Serve Holy Yum Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions can add a wonderful pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds are another excellent touch that adds a little crunch and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
This Holy Yum Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up any extra sauce beautifully. Roasted vegetables or a crisp simple salad can offer a fresh contrast, balancing the indulgence of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of quinoa or alongside garlic mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. For a fun twist, pile it into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw to create easy weeknight wraps everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Holy Yum Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more after resting, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken in the sauce by placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the dish’s integrity.
Reheating
Warm your leftover Holy Yum Chicken Recipe gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Reheat just until steaming hot to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but be mindful that they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust the baking time accordingly and consider marinating a bit longer for extra moisture.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can swap it with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep this Holy Yum Chicken Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Definitely! Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, then reduce heat and pour the sauce over, simmering until cooked through and the sauce thickens.
What can I substitute for pure maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave nectar work well as natural sweetener substitutes with a similar consistency and flavor depth.
Is the cornstarch necessary?
The cornstarch is optional and used to thicken the sauce if you prefer it more glaze-like. The sauce will still taste amazing without it, just a bit thinner.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Holy Yum Chicken Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and special, easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Once you try it, you’ll love how simple ingredients come together in this flavorful harmony. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make this recipe your new go-to favorite. You’re going to love every bite!
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Holy Yum Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Holy Yum Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs baked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce. The dish is easy to prepare, baked to perfection in the oven, and offers a delightful combination of flavors that make for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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, pure maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a savory and sweet sauce.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the foil-lined baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, carefully remove the chicken from the baking dish and keep warm. Place the sauce included in the baking dish onto the stovetop, add the cornstarch and water mixture, and heat while stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the thickened sauce or pour the sauce over the chicken pieces. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Using aluminum foil to line the baking dish makes cleaning much easier.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- The optional cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce into a glaze if you prefer a richer coating.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added on top before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay tender and juicy during baking compared to breasts.
