Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with these incredible Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, all in one satisfying and nutrient-packed bowl. It’s a complete meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, making it a guaranteed new favorite for you and your family.
If you’re looking for a healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’ve found it. We combine tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a luscious maple dijon sauce with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts. Served over a bed of fluffy quinoa, this is the kind of wholesome, feel-good food that makes meal prep exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The homemade maple dijon marinade is truly the star, creating a caramelized glaze on the chicken that is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is designed for your busy lifestyle. Prepare the components ahead of time for quick, healthy lunches or dinners all week long.
- Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it’s a meal you can feel great about serving. For another fantastic, crowd-pleasing side, consider this amazing sweet potato casserole.
- Completely Customizable: Easily swap the veggies or the grain to suit your taste or use up what you have in the fridge.
The Key Components of the Perfect Bowl
A truly great meal bowl is all about the harmony of its components. Here’s what makes our Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls stand out.
The Star: Maple Dijon Chicken
We use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. The marinade combines the sweetness of pure maple syrup with the sharp, tangy bite of both Dijon and whole-grain mustard, balanced by a touch of savory soy sauce and garlic.
The Hearty Base: Quinoa & Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are cubed and roasted until tender on the inside and caramelized on the outside. This natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the tangy chicken. We serve it all over fluffy quinoa, a protein-packed grain that makes the bowls extra hearty.
The Perfect Veggie: Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting brussels sprouts brings out their nutty, savory flavor and gives them a delightful crispy texture. They add a wonderful, earthy element that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients to bring these vibrant bowls to life. The magic is in how they come together!
How to Make Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls: Step-by-Step
Making these Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls is a straightforward process. We’ll roast the veggies and chicken on a sheet pan for easy cleanup while the quinoa simmers on the stove.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken thighs and toss until they are fully coated. You can let this marinate for 30 minutes or cook it right away.
Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the cubed sweet potatoes and halved brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
You can cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and caramelized. Alternatively, you can add the chicken to the baking sheet with the vegetables during the last 15 minutes of roasting time.
Step 4: Cook the Quinoa
While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare the quinoa according to package directions. Typically, this involves simmering 1 part quinoa with 2 parts water for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Start with a base of cooked quinoa. Top with the roasted sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and the delicious maple dijon chicken. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the top and serve immediately.
Expert Tips for Recipe Success
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the best caramelization, make sure your vegetables and chicken have enough space on the baking sheet. Use two sheets if necessary.
- Use Pure Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, use 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The taste is much richer and more complex.
- Chicken Thighs for Flavor: While chicken breast works, thighs stay juicier and have more flavor, which stands up well to the bold sauce. If you love easy chicken dinners, you might also like this simple spatchcock turkey recipe for a larger gathering.
Meal Prep and Storage Instructions
These Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls are a meal prepper’s dream. For the best results, store the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and reheat in the microwave until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast for the thighs. Cube the chicken breast and cook it as directed. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook, as breast meat is leaner and can dry out more quickly than thighs.
For the best results, store the chicken, roasted vegetables, and quinoa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, combine your desired portions in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 90-120 seconds, or until warmed through.
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free. The only ingredient to check is the soy sauce. Simply substitute it with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
If you’re not a fan of brussels sprouts, this recipe works wonderfully with other hearty vegetables. Broccoli florets, chopped asparagus, or green beans are excellent substitutes. Roast them for a similar amount of time until tender and slightly crispy.
While quinoa is a great gluten-free and protein-rich option, you can easily swap it out. Brown rice, farro (contains gluten), or even a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, salad-style bowl would all be delicious.
More Cozy Dinners to Try
If you loved this bowl recipe, you’ll definitely want to try our famous creamy crockpot mac and cheese for another easy and comforting meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
The Best Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls
Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls: The Perfect Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Set aside.
- Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Cook the quinoa: While the vegetables roast, cook the quinoa according to package directions.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and the sauce has caramelized. Alternatively, add to the vegetable sheet pan for the last 15 minutes of roasting.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top with roasted vegetables and the maple dijon chicken. Serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to substitute brussels sprouts with broccoli or asparagus.
Brown rice or farro can be used instead of quinoa.
Pin This Recipe!
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
