Some nights, I just want a dinner that’s quick, easy, and completely delicious. This Maple Chicken is exactly that! After a long day (especially if I’ve been running around or had appointments), the last thing I want is to spend ages cooking. That’s why this recipe is perfect—it comes together fast, uses simple ingredients, and tastes amazing. The chicken is crispy, the sauce is sticky and sweet with just the right amount of saltiness, and everything pairs beautifully with rice and veggies. Let’s get cooking!
Method
Make the Sauce
To start, prepare the flavorful sauce by combining all the ingredients in a mixing bowl or jug. Add the maple syrup, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar, then pour in the chicken stock. Next, mix the cornflour with a bit of water until it forms a smooth slurry and add it to the bowl. Crush the garlic cloves and stir them in, along with the optional chili flakes if you like a little heat. Give everything a good stir until the ingredients are well blended. Set the sauce aside while you work on the chicken.
Coat the Chicken
To get that perfect crispy texture, start by preparing two separate bowls—one with the whisked egg and another with the golden breadcrumbs. Take each piece of diced chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer the egg-covered chicken into the breadcrumbs, rolling it around until every side is evenly coated. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to help them stick better during cooking. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces and set them aside on a plate.
Cook the Chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer, making sure they are spread out in a single layer to allow for even cooking. Set the temperature to 200°C (390°F) and cook for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through if needed. If you’re using an oven, bake the chicken at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes, flipping it halfway through for an even crispiness. By the end of the cooking time, the chicken should be golden brown and crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
Make the Sauce Sticky
While the chicken is nearing the end of its cooking time, heat a frying pan over medium heat and pour in the prepared sauce. Allow it to warm up, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer until it starts to thicken. The cornflour in the mixture will help the sauce become glossy and sticky. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and ensure even consistency. This should take just a few minutes, so keep an eye on it!
Combine
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, add the crispy chicken pieces directly to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together, making sure each piece of chicken gets evenly coated in that sweet, sticky, and flavorful glaze. Let it sit for an extra minute or two so the chicken can absorb the sauce and become extra delicious.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your Maple Chicken is now ready to be served! Spoon it over a bed of rice and add your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, or crunchy green beans, this dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Easy Maple Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer (or oven if you don’t have one)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Frying pan
- Tongs (for dipping the chicken)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 100 ml chicken stock
- 1 tsp cornflour mixed with water
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- Chilli flakes optional, for a bit of heat!
- For the Chicken:
- 400 g diced chicken breast
- 35 g golden breadcrumbs
- 1 whisked egg
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl or jug, mix together the maple syrup, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, cornflour mixture, crushed garlic, and chilli flakes. Set aside.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of diced chicken into the whisked egg, then coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for that perfect crispy bite!
- Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer at 200°C (390°F) for 18 minutes. If using an oven, bake at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make the Sauce Sticky: When the chicken is nearly done, pour the prepared sauce into a frying pan over medium heat. Let it heat up and start to thicken.
- Combine: Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, toss it into the sauce and stir until everything is coated in that sweet and sticky goodness.
- Serve and Enjoy!I love serving this dish with rice and some steamed or stir-fried veggies for a balanced meal.
Notes
- When coating the chicken, press the breadcrumbs on firmly so they don’t fall off while cooking.
- Don’t skip the cornflour in the sauce—it’s what makes it thick and sticky!
- If you prefer an even crispier texture, give the chicken a light spray of oil before air frying.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair with roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans.
- If you love extra crunch, top it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions!
Fun Fact
Did you know that maple syrup comes from the sap of maple trees? It takes about 40 liters of sap to make just 1 liter of syrup! No wonder it’s such a special ingredient.
Conclusion
And there you have it—sweet, sticky, crispy Maple Chicken that’s ready in under 30 minutes! It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
What kind of maple syrup should I use?
It’s generally recommended to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid imitation maple syrups, as they lack the depth and complexity of real maple syrup. The grade of maple syrup can influence the intensity of the flavor, with darker grades having a more robust taste.
What are some good flavor pairings with maple chicken?
Maple chicken pairs well with:
Roasted vegetables (like sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts)
Rice or quinoa
Mashed potatoes
Salads with a tangy vinaigrette
Herbs like sage and thyme.
Can I make the maple chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Cooked maple chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. When reheating, it’s best to use gentle heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Reheating in an oven or air fryer is preferred to a microwave.