Spicy Maple Mustard Chicken with Creamy Polenta
Juicy pan-seared chicken glazed in a sweet-spicy maple mustard sauce, served over silky, creamy polenta. Sweet, tangy, lightly spicy, and incredibly comforting — perfect for a special dinner.
🕒 Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minute
Total: 40 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
Maple Mustard Chicken
4 chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Sauce
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili flakes (reduce or skip for kids)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Creamy Polenta
1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
4 cups water or chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
½ cup milk or cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional but amazing)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Remove and keep warm.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
In the same pan, lower heat.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in Dijon mustard, maple syrup, paprika, chili flakes, vinegar, and whole-grain mustard.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy.
Return chicken to pan and coat well. Simmer 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Polenta
Bring water/broth and salt to a boil.
Whisk in polenta slowly.
Cook on low 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until smooth.
Stir in butter, milk, and Parmesan.
4️⃣ Serve
Spoon creamy polenta onto plates.
Top with maple mustard chicken and extra sauce.
Finish with cracked black pepper or fresh herbs.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Add roasted carrots or green beans
Serve with simple cucumber salad
Great for cozy dinners or guests
👶 Kid-Friendly Option
Skip chili flakes
Add extra maple syrup
Serve sauce lightly on the side
🥗 Nutrition information
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fat: 24 g
Sodium:12g