Maple Mustard Chicken & Cranberry Wild Rice

Tender, oven-baked chicken coated in a glossy maple-mustard glaze, served over warm, savory cranberry wild rice. Sweet, tangy, buttery, and beautifully festive — a cozy holiday-inspired dinner that feels special yet simple to make.

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

For the Cranberry Wild Rice
2 cups cooked wild rice blend
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Mustard Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary. Set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Pour the maple mustard glaze over the chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is thick and caramelized.

Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Wild Rice
In a saucepan or skillet, warm the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, and salt, stirring gently until heated through.
Keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Spoon the cranberry wild rice onto plates.
Top each portion with a glazed chicken thigh.
Drizzle leftover glaze from the skillet over the chicken.
Garnish with fresh rosemary and extra cranberries if desired.

Kitchen Tips
Use pure maple syrup for best flavor — it caramelizes beautifully.
Chicken thighs work best due to their tenderness and natural juiciness.
Make the rice ahead to save time; it reheats well with butter.
For extra brightness, squeeze a little lemon over the chicken before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories 520, Protein 28g, Carbohydrates 44g, Fiber 3g, Net Carbohydrates 41g, Fat 26g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 120mg, Sodium 520mg, Sugars 15g, Glycemic Index Medium