Maple-Glazed Chicken from Red Lobster features tender, juicy chicken breasts brushed with a sweet and sticky maple glaze, garnished with fresh herbs and served alongside seasonal vegetables, offering a harmonious blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors with a glossy, caramelized finish.
Equipments
- Oven or stovetop
- Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 cup assorted seasonal vegetables
Using pure maple syrup is essential to achieve the authentic sweetness and glossy caramelized finish characteristic of Maple-Glazed Chicken from Red Lobster. Fresh herbs like parsley enhance the flavor and add a vibrant garnish that complements the dish's rich, savory notes. Be sure to properly season the chicken with smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to balance the sweetness and deepen the overall taste. Monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer ensures your chicken breasts stay juicy and perfectly cooked. Your efforts will result in a delicious copycat version of Maple-Glazed Chicken from Red Lobster's popular menu item.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet.
- Brush both sides of the chicken breasts generously with the maple glaze using a basting brush.
- Arrange assorted seasonal vegetables around the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Halfway through cooking, baste chicken with additional glaze.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Transfer chicken and vegetables to a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Substitution
Maple-Glazed Chicken from Red Lobster copycat brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a caramelized maple syrup glaze over tender chicken breasts. If pure maple syrup is unavailable, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup to retain the sweetness and sticky texture. When fresh seasonal vegetables are out of season, frozen or roasted varieties also complement the dish well, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. Your glaze will achieve the best caramelization when brushed generously during the final 5-7 minutes of baking or cooking.
Tips
Make sure to pat the chicken breasts dry before applying the maple glaze to ensure better caramelization and prevent sogginess. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC), which guarantees the chicken is safely cooked and juicy. Baste the chicken halfway through baking to enhance the glossy, sticky finish and deepen the flavor. You should let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, making your meal more tender and flavorful.
Nutritions
Maple-Glazed Chicken from Red Lobster provides a balanced source of lean protein from boneless, skinless chicken breasts, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The maple syrup adds natural sugars, offering a touch of sweetness while contributing trace minerals like manganese and zinc. Olive oil delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the seasonal vegetables supply dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for overall nutritional support. Your meal combines flavorful ingredients that support a nutritious and satisfying dining experience.
Storage
Store leftover Maple-Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken separate from the seasonal vegetables if possible to maintain optimal texture and flavor for both components. When reheating, use an oven or stovetop to preserve the glaze's caramelized finish, ensuring your meal retains its signature tenderness and sweet-savory balance.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile while maintaining the glaze's stickiness. Consider marinating the chicken in the maple glaze for 30 minutes prior to cooking to enhance flavor penetration. Roasting the seasonal vegetables separately with olive oil and herbs can help achieve a crisper texture without overcooking the chicken. Using a stovetop skillet instead of the oven allows for quicker browning and caramelization of the glaze, giving your chicken a richer, more intense flavor.
Allergies
Maple-Glazed Chicken contains soy sauce, which is a common allergen for individuals with soy allergies and may cause reactions ranging from mild to severe. The dish also includes mustard, another potential allergen that can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to soy or mustard, it is essential to check ingredient labels carefully or consider alternative seasoning options.
Why this recipe?
Maple-Glazed Chicken from Red Lobster is favored for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors combined with tender, juicy chicken grilled to perfection. The rich maple glaze enhances the dish with a unique, smoky sweetness that complements the succulent meat, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. You can recreate this crowd-pleasing dish at home to enjoy the same gourmet taste while customizing ingredients for your preferences and dietary needs. Crafting a copycat version is worth trying to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen without the wait or cost.