Chicken With Maple And Spices
A flavorful chicken dish glazed with maple syrup and spices, featuring a rich tomato saffron sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and impressing guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine maple syrup, soy sauce, and coriander seed in a bowl and set aside.
- In a heavy saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes along with saffron threads.
- Sauté until the liquid is nearly gone.
- Set the tomato mixture aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a skillet, sauté chicken breasts in remaining butter over medium-high heat until three-fourths done, about 3 minutes per side.
- Add the maple-soy mixture to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, reducing heat as needed.
- Remove chicken breasts with a slotted spoon and keep warm on a plate.
- Add the tomato-saffron mixture and red wine vinegar to the skillet.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until the sauce reduces slightly.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Divide the sauce among four plates.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange slices on top of the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the maple-soy mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If coriander seeds are unavailable, ground coriander can be used instead—just reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or couscous, which soak up the flavorful sauce. For a refreshing side, serve a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. You may also consider serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, covering, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Maple And Spices contains roughly 426 calories, with 12g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1365mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but cooking times will vary. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You may need to adjust the cooking time to accommodate the bone, which retains heat longer.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
If you don't have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be suitable substitutes, although they will alter the flavor slightly. For a more complex taste, try using brown sugar dissolved in a bit of water for a similar sweetness.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to sauté them until tender before adding the tomato-saffron mixture to ensure they are cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).