Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but you'll miss out on the crispy skin and some of the flavor that comes from the bones. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes and check for doneness earlier.

Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

Honey makes a good substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Use the same amount and expect a thicker consistency. Avoid artificial maple-flavored syrups, as they won't caramelize properly and contain additives that can affect the final dish.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Season the chicken and cut the vegetables up to a day ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator. You can even mix the sauce in advance. When ready to cook, bring everything to room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.

My sauce is too thin after cooking. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce is thinner than desired, remove the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter, then return the skillet to the stovetop over medium heat. Simmer the sauce until it reduces to your preferred consistency, about 3-5 minutes, then pour over the chicken and vegetables.

One Pan Maple Mustard Chicken Recipe

Name: One Pan Maple Mustard Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons (75 ml) coarse ground dijon mustard; 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons (75 ml) water; 4 (908 g) skin on, bone-in chicken thighs; 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt, more for seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, more for seasoning; Paprika, for seasoning; Garlic powder, for seasoning; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon (10 g) minced garlic; 2 cups (298 g) sweet potato, cut into 1/2″ wedges; 8 ounces (227 g) green beans, cut in half; 2 sprigs rosemary

This One Pan Maple Mustard Chicken is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. With a perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal cleanup. The chicken thighs turn out wonderfully crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside, and the roasted sweet potatoes and green beans round out the meal for a complete dinner that comes together in just one skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and easier cleanup.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of maple and mustard creates a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Complete Meal: Protein, veggies, and starch all cook together, eliminating the need for separate side dishes.
Crispy Skin: The searing technique ensures you get that restaurant-quality crispy chicken skin everyone fights over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dijon mustard: Coarse ground Dijon brings texture and tangy depth. It’s the backbone of our sauce and creates that beautiful savory base.
Maple syrup: Always use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. This natural sweetener balances the mustard’s tang and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Chicken thighs: Skin-on, bone-in thighs are non-negotiable here. They stay juicy during roasting and the skin gets wonderfully crisp.
Sweet potatoes: Cut into consistent wedges for even cooking. They absorb the maple-mustard sauce and become caramelized and tender.
Green beans: Added later in the cooking process to maintain their bright color and slight crunch. They’re the perfect complement to the rich chicken and sweet potatoes.
Garlic: Both powdered (for seasoning) and fresh minced (for the sauce). The fresh garlic blooms in the hot oil, releasing its aromatic qualities.
Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder create the perfect foundation of flavor for the chicken.
Rosemary: Fresh sprigs infuse the dish with an earthy, aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the sweet-savory sauce.
Olive oil: Used for both searing the chicken and coating the green beans. Use a good quality oil for the best flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try bone-in chicken breasts instead of thighs (reduce cooking time slightly) or even pork chops for a different twist on this dish.

Veggie Options

Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes. Replace green beans with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli florets.

Sauce Additions

Add a tablespoon of whole grain mustard for extra texture, a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness, or a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves for an herbaceous note.

Spice It Up

Include a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes in the sauce for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the maple sweetness.

How to Make One Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sauce

Position your oven rack in the center and preheat to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and water until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs, then season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy with the seasonings—they create a flavorful base.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until they develop a beautiful golden crust (about 5 minutes). Flip the pieces, then turn off the heat. Carefully drain off excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Move the chicken to the edges of the pan and return to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the maple-mustard sauce and stir to incorporate with the pan drippings.

Step 5: Add Sweet Potatoes and Start Roasting

Add the sweet potato wedges to the pan, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Simmer for 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Scatter rosemary sprigs around the pan and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Add Green Beans and Finish Roasting

Remove the pan from the oven and discard the rosemary. Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then scatter them around the chicken and potatoes. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes, until the beans are bright green and still slightly crisp.

Step 7: Check for Doneness and Serve

The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender, and the chicken should register around 170°F on a meat thermometer. If needed, roast for a few minutes more. Serve with additional sauce drizzled over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a cast iron skillet if you have one—it provides the best sear and transitions perfectly from stovetop to oven.
Don’t skip the searing step as it renders the fat from the skin and creates that irresistible crispiness.
Cut sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking. Aim for wedges about ½-inch thick.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven to allow juices to redistribute.
Season in layers throughout the cooking process, not just at the beginning, to build depth of flavor.

How to Serve

This one-pan meal is complete on its own, but there are still some lovely ways to elevate your presentation and enjoyment:

Simple Accompaniments

A slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the extra maple-mustard sauce. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette brings freshness to balance the rich main dish.

Wine Pairings

A medium-bodied Pinot Noir or an off-dry Riesling complements the sweet-savory balance of the maple and mustard flavors beautifully.

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley adds color and a bright herbal note right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this dish excellent for meal prep.

Freezing

While the complete dish can be frozen, the texture of the green beans will suffer. For best results, separate the chicken and sauce from the vegetables before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven until the chicken is warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). Cover with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, but the skin won’t remain crispy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but you’ll miss out on the crispy skin and some of the flavor that comes from the bones. If using boneless, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes and check for doneness earlier.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

Honey makes a good substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Use the same amount and expect a thicker consistency. Avoid artificial maple-flavored syrups, as they won’t caramelize properly and contain additives that can affect the final dish.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Season the chicken and cut the vegetables up to a day ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator. You can even mix the sauce in advance. When ready to cook, bring everything to room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
My sauce is too thin after cooking. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce is thinner than desired, remove the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter, then return the skillet to the stovetop over medium heat. Simmer the sauce until it reduces to your preferred consistency, about 3-5 minutes, then pour over the chicken and vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Maple Mustard Chicken recipe has been my reliable hero on countless busy weeknights. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The beauty lies in its simplicity—minimal prep, maximum flavor, and only one pan to wash at the end. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something comforting yet impressive. Your taste buds (and your sink) will thank you!