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Maple Dijon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls That Comfort Your Soul Recipe

4.4 from 109 reviews

This comforting and flavorful Maple Dijon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls recipe combines tender chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon marinade, roasted caramelized sweet potatoes, and a hearty base of quinoa or brown rice. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner that nourishes the soul with balanced tastes and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Roasting

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Maple Dijon Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts (substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup (substitute with honey if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (whole grain mustard can be used for a chunkier texture)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Grain Base

  • 1 cup quinoa or brown rice (cooked according to package directions; leafy greens can be substituted for a lighter dish)

Garnish

  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until everything is evenly coated.
  2. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized on the edges.
  3. Make Maple Dijon Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  4. Marinate Chicken: Thoroughly coat the chicken breasts in the maple Dijon marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  5. Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Prepare Grain Base: While the chicken cooks, prepare quinoa or brown rice according to the package instructions.
  7. Assemble Bowls: Slice the cooked chicken breasts. In serving bowls, layer the cooked quinoa or brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and sliced chicken. Garnish generously with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.

Notes

  • You can substitute the sweet potatoes with butternut squash or carrots for a different sweet flavor.
  • For a more robust garlic flavor, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder in the sweet potato seasoning.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
  • If you prefer a chunkier mustard texture, whole grain mustard works well as a replacement for Dijon mustard.
  • Maple syrup adds a delightful sweetness, but honey is an easy substitute if needed.
  • Quinoa or brown rice provides a hearty base, but cooked leafy greens will lighten the dish if desired.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add brightness and fresh flavor as a garnish.
  • Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.

Keywords: maple dijon chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa bowls, healthy chicken bowl, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, maple syrup chicken, sweet potato recipe