Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with these incredible Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls. This recipe is the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, all packed into one nourishing and satisfying meal. If you’re searching for a dinner that is both incredibly delicious and simple to prepare, you’ve found it. We’ve designed this recipe to be not only easy to follow but also highly customizable to suit your tastes.

The star of the show is the succulent chicken, marinated in a divine sauce of real maple syrup, sharp Dijon mustard, and a hint of garlic. Roasted to perfection alongside vibrant vegetables, it creates a meal that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a blueprint for a perfect, well-balanced meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these bowls are a guaranteed win. Let’s dive in and make a meal your whole family will love.

Why This Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls Recipe Works

You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. It’s a standout dish for several key reasons:

• Explosion of Flavor: The maple dijon marinade is perfectly balanced. The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, creating a sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. The components can be cooked ahead of time and stored separately, making for quick and healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Completely Customizable: Don’t feel locked into the ingredients list. You can easily swap the vegetables, grains, or even the protein to use what you have on hand or to cater to your dietary preferences.
• Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with lean protein, nutrient-dense vegetables, and wholesome grains, this is a meal you can feel good about eating and serving to your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Maple Dijon Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use chicken thighs.
• Real Maple Syrup: The star ingredient for that authentic, rich sweetness. Avoid pancake syrup.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides the tangy, sharp flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Helps the chicken brown and keeps it moist.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the marinade.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

For the Roasted Vegetables & Bowls

• Sweet Potatoes: Peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes. Their sweetness is a perfect match for the sauce.
• Brussels Sprouts: Trimmed and halved. They get wonderfully crispy when roasted. For another great vegetable side, check out this amazing sweet potato casserole.
• Quinoa: The base of our bowl. You can substitute brown rice, farro, or your favorite grain.
• Pecans: Toasted and chopped, for a crunchy topping. If you love pecans, you have to try these candied pecans.
• Dried Cranberries: For a pop of sweetness and chewy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls is incredibly straightforward. We’ll marinate the chicken, roast it with the vegetables, and then assemble our bowls.

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Roast Vegetables: Spread the diced sweet potatoes and halved Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 15 minutes.
5. Add Chicken: After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the vegetables to one side and add the marinated chicken to the other side in a single layer.
6. Finish Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Cook Quinoa: While the chicken and vegetables are roasting, cook the quinoa according to package directions.
8. Assemble the Bowls: To assemble your Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls, start with a base of cooked quinoa. Top with the roasted chicken and vegetables. Garnish with toasted pecans and dried cranberries.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Want to make sure your bowls are absolutely perfect? Follow these simple tips from our kitchen.

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the best caramelization on your chicken and vegetables, make sure they are in a single layer on the baking sheet. Use two sheets if necessary. This helps them roast instead of steam.
• Marinate for Flavor: While you can cook the chicken right away, letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes makes a huge difference in the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
• Cut Uniformly: Try to cut your chicken and sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Toast Your Nuts: Toasting the pecans for a few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat releases their natural oils and enhances their flavor, adding a wonderful crunch to your bowl.

Build Your Own: Customization & Variations

One of the best things about these Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls is their versatility. Think of this recipe as a template and feel free to get creative!

Protein Swaps

Not in the mood for chicken? This maple dijon marinade is also fantastic with pork tenderloin, salmon, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Grain Choices

Quinoa is a great gluten-free option, but you could also use brown rice, farro, barley, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Vegetable Ideas

Feel free to swap the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with other vegetables that roast well. Broccoli florets, red onion wedges, bell peppers, or butternut squash would all be delicious. You could even use leftover vegetables from a dish like this chicken and broccoli casserole.

How to Meal Prep & Store These Bowls

These bowls are ideal for meal prep. To store, allow all components to cool completely. Keep the chicken and vegetables, quinoa, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, simply assemble a bowl and reheat in the microwave or enjoy it cold.

a

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs would be delicious in this recipe. They may take a few minutes longer to cook, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

a

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice and ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free.

a

What is the best way to store these Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls for meal prep?

For best results, store the chicken and vegetables, the quinoa, and the toppings (pecans and cranberries) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the components fresh and prevents the quinoa from becoming soggy. They will last for up to 4 days.

a

Can I make the maple dijon sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the maple dijon marinade can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just whisk it together and store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

a

What other vegetables can I use in these bowls?

This recipe is very versatile. Other vegetables that roast well and would be great substitutes or additions include broccoli florets, chopped red onion, bell peppers, asparagus, or cubes of butternut squash. Adjust roasting time as needed.

Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

This Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor. We know you’ll love it as much as we do. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share your creations and be sure to follow us on Pinterest for more amazing recipes.

Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls

FL Recipes

Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

These Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls are the perfect harmony of sweet and savory. Featuring tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and a delicious sauce, it's a healthy, customizable meal perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Maple Dijon Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup
• 3 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

For the Roasted Vegetables & Bowls

• 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 lb brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
• 1 cup quinoa uncooked
• 1/4 cup pecans toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Equipment

• 1 Large Baking Sheet
• 2 Mixing Bowls
• 1 Saucepan For cooking quinoa

Method

 

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Roast Vegetables: Spread the diced sweet potatoes and halved Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 15 minutes.
5. Add Chicken: After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the vegetables to one side and add the marinated chicken to the other side in a single layer.
6. Finish Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
7. Cook Quinoa: While the chicken and vegetables are roasting, cook the quinoa according to package directions.
8. Assemble the Bowls: To assemble your Maple Dijon Chicken Bowls, start with a base of cooked quinoa. Top with the roasted chicken and vegetables. Garnish with toasted pecans and dried cranberries.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 42gFat: 22gFiber: 10g

Notes

Don't Crowd the Pan: Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure the chicken and vegetables roast properly and get nicely caramelized.
Storage: Store components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best results.
Customization: Feel free to substitute vegetables like broccoli, red onion, or butternut squash based on what you have on hand.

Keyword chicken bowls,maple dijon chicken,meal prep recipe

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