Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken

Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard, all encased in a crispy, crunchy coating. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you may want to pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
3. Maple Dijon Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard until well combined. This mixture will act as the glue for the breadcrumbs and provide a delicious flavor base.
4. Breadcrumb Coating:
   • In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each chicken breast into the maple Dijon mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
   • Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the coated chicken breasts. This will help the breadcrumbs become golden and crispy during baking.
7. Bake the Chicken:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crunchy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Success

• Even Coating: Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even, crunchy coating.
• Preventing Sogginess: For extra crunchiness, you can place a wire rack on the baking sheet and bake the chicken on the rack. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning, to customize the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa can complement the dish and soak up any extra sauce.

This Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress your family and friends! Enjoy this delectable dish and savor the blend of unique flavors.

Yield: 6

Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken

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Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of Dijon mustard, all encased in a crispy, crunchy coating. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten free, if needed)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• fresh thyme or parsley, for serving
• Maple Dijon Sauce:
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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2. In a food processor, combine the cornflakes, parmesan, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can crush the crumbs in a ziplock bag by stepping on them. Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl.

3. Beat the eggs in a bowl, add the chicken, and toss well to coat.

3. Dredge the chicken through the crumbs, covering fully. Place on the prepared baking sheet. For a thicker coating, dip the chicken back through the eggs, then through the crumbs a second time. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until crisp all around.

4. To make the sauce. In a sauce pot, warm together the maple syrup, Dijon, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt. Stir in the thyme.

5. Drizzle the warm sauce over the chicken. Top with herbs. If the sauce thickens, warm for 5 seconds in the microwave. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 530