Description
A small-batch roasted chicken recipe designed for one or two servings, featuring a crispy skin and a sweet, tangy maple Dijon glaze that cooks in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large boneless, skin-on chicken breast or 2-3 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (6–8 oz / 170-225g)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (real maple syrup, Grade B or Dark Amber preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (smooth grey Dijon)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 teaspoon extra maple syrup (optional, for drizzle)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard half-sheet baking pan (18×13 inches) with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs until a thick, glossy paste forms.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure browning. Place on the prepared baking sheet and rub with a tiny bit of olive oil, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Brush the maple Dijon glaze generously over the top of the chicken, ensuring it gets into crevices.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check at 12 minutes for breasts; thighs may need the full 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices. Optionally brush with extra maple syrup for shine, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin. Maple syrup burns easily, so tent with foil if the glaze darkens too quickly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Do not reuse glaze that touched raw chicken unless boiled first.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Protein: 27
Keywords: small batch chicken, maple dijon chicken, quick dinner, one pan meal, no leftovers, roasted chicken, weeknight dinner