If you love a one-pan wonder that makes your taste buds dance, Holy Yum Chicken is about to become your new obsession! This easy baked chicken dish brings together succulent chicken thighs, tangy Dijon mustard, rich maple syrup, and a touch of rice vinegar for a heavenly sweet-salty glaze. It’s impossible not to fall for the combination of juicy, flavorful meat and silky sauce that begs to be spooned over everything on your plate. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner warrior or hosting friends for a cozy get-together, Holy Yum Chicken truly lives up to its name—every bite is pure magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
If there’s one thing that makes Holy Yum Chicken so special, it’s how a handful of everyday ingredients transforms into something utterly delicious. Each item is simple yet powerful, working together to create that signature flavor explosion in every bite!
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfectly juicy and hold up beautifully to baking without drying out.
- Dijon mustard: Adds creamy tang and depth, blending seamlessly with the sweetness of the syrup.
- Maple syrup: This liquid gold brings a lovely caramelized sweetness and glossy finish to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers a gentle acidity that brightens the whole dish without overpowering it.
- Garlic powder: For that subtle, mellow garlicky backbone—no chopping required!
- Salt: Essential for heightening flavors and drawing out the natural savoriness of the chicken.
- Black pepper: A sprinkle of pepper cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
- Fresh rosemary (optional): Sprinkle over the top for a gorgeous, aromatic finish that impresses every time.
How to Make Holy Yum Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish to keep the chicken from sticking, then arrange the chicken thighs in a single, snug layer. This helps them bake up evenly and soak in all the flavors of that amazing sauce.
Step 2: Mix Up the Signature Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. You’ll notice the sauce coming together as a silky, golden mixture—this is the secret to that famous Holy Yum Chicken glaze. Give it a taste and feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour the sauce generously over the chicken thighs in the baking dish, making sure each piece gets a good coating. Use a spoon or brush to help cover every nook and cranny—the more sauce, the yummier it gets as it bakes!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish uncovered in the hot oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. About halfway through, baste the chicken with some of the bubbling sauce from the pan to ensure every bite is sticky, glossy, and flavorful. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the Holy Yum Chicken rest for five minutes after removing it from the oven. This keeps the juices in and the chicken extra tender. For an optional flourish, sprinkle with fresh rosemary and spoon plenty of that irresistible sauce over the top before serving.
How to Serve Holy Yum Chicken
Garnishes
Nothing elevates the look and aroma of Holy Yum Chicken quite like fresh rosemary. Just a sprig or some finely chopped needles scattered over the top adds instant color, fragrance, and a hit of earthy freshness. Try a dusting of cracked black pepper or a few flakes of sea salt for even more visual appeal—and don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce for that signature glossy finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Holy Yum Chicken with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to catch every drop of the luscious sauce. A crisp green salad or simply steamed broccoli balances out the richness, making it a meal that feels at once comforting and vibrant. Warm bread on the side is also a must if you, like me, never want to leave any sauce behind!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, slice the chicken and arrange it family-style on a big platter, spooning extra sauce over the top and nestling in rosemary sprigs or lemon slices. For meal prep, tuck the thighs over a scoop of grains and roast veggies in meal-prep bowls for a quick lunch that will have coworkers asking for the recipe. Holy Yum Chicken makes a showstopping centerpiece with almost no effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Holy Yum Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Store cooled chicken and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify overnight, so you might even find that day-two portions taste even better than the first!
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with as much sauce as possible. Holy Yum Chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat Holy Yum Chicken in the microwave or a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce, and warm just until heated through—this keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy without losing that Holy Yum magic!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Swap in chicken breasts for a leaner version of Holy Yum Chicken, but keep a close watch on baking time—breasts cook faster and can dry out. Reduce the cook time by about 5-10 minutes and check for doneness early.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If you’re out of rice vinegar, try substituting apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar. The goal is a gentle tang to balance the sweetness, so pick whatever you have on hand that isn’t too harsh.
Is Holy Yum Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your Dijon mustard and rice vinegar are gluten-free certified (most brands are, but always check labels), the entire recipe is naturally gluten-free. Perfect for serving to friends with dietary restrictions!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. You can mix up the sauce and marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to a day ahead. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed. It’s a fantastic dish for meal prepping or make-ahead entertaining.
What’s the best way to use leftover sauce?
Any extra Holy Yum Chicken sauce is pure liquid gold! Drizzle it over rice, roasted veggies, or even a crisp salad. Some people even use it as a sandwich spread or dip—trust me, there won’t be a drop left over for long!
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with Holy Yum Chicken. It’s the kind of recipe that surprises you with how little effort it requires and how big the flavor payoff is. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to turn ordinary chicken into a memorable meal. Give it a try—you might just find yourself adding Holy Yum Chicken to your permanent rotation!
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Holy Yum Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Holy Yum Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features tender chicken thighs baked in a sweet and savory maple mustard sauce. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Baste: Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the sauce.
- Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary and spoon extra sauce over the top.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice or roasted vegetables to complement the flavorful sauce.
- If using chicken breasts, adjust the baking time to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
