Introduction

These Maple Dijon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls bring a comforting blend of sweet and tangy flavors that are perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare for any night of the week.

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

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 chicken breasts
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup quinoa or brown rice
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
Step 4: Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Prepare the quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions while the chicken cooks.
Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken and assemble your bowls with quinoa or rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

For a different sweet profile, substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash or carrots.
Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil instead of olive oil for roasting and marinade.
Fresh minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
Chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts for more juiciness and deeper flavor.
Swap maple syrup with honey if you prefer a different natural sweetener.
Whole grain mustard can replace Dijon mustard to add a chunkier texture.
For a lighter dish, substitute quinoa or rice with cooked leafy greens.
Add parsley or cilantro as fresh herbs to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Quinoa or rice can also be stored separately and reheated alongside the chicken and vegetables for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting to achieve the best caramelization.

What can I serve instead of quinoa or brown rice?

You can substitute quinoa or brown rice with cooked leafy greens, cauliflower rice, or even a simple green salad for a lighter option.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 56 reviews

This wholesome Maple Dijon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl combines tender, flavorful chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and a hearty base of quinoa or brown rice. Garnished with fresh herbs, this comforting, nutrient-packed meal is easy to prepare, ideal for a nutritious lunch or dinner that warms your soul.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Lunch
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 medium Sweet Potatoes (Substitution: Butternut squash or carrots can be used for a different sweet profile.)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Substitution: Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can be used.)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Tip: Fresh minced garlic can be substituted for a more robust taste.)
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 breasts Chicken Breasts (Substitution: Chicken thighs can be used for extra flavor and juiciness.)
3 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Substitution: Honey can be swapped for a different sweetener.)
2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard (Tip: Whole grain mustard offers a chunkier texture and different flavor profile.)
1 cup Quinoa or Brown Rice (Tip: Substituting with cooked leafy greens can create a lighter dish.)
Fresh Herbs (Suggestion: Use parsley or cilantro for additional flavor.)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the sweet potatoes to a caramelized, tender finish.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, coating evenly for flavor.
Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a balanced sweet and tangy marinade.
Marinate Chicken: Thoroughly coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are safely cooked through.
Prepare Grain: While the chicken cooks, prepare quinoa or brown rice according to the package instructions, providing a wholesome base for the bowl.
Assemble Bowls: Slice the cooked chicken breasts. In serving bowls, layer the cooked quinoa or rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to add brightness and freshness.

Notes

You can substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash or carrots for varied flavor profiles.
Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield a juicier, more flavorful protein option.
Consider whole grain mustard for a chunkier texture in the marinade.
Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
Maple syrup can be swapped with honey if preferred.
Quinoa can be replaced with brown rice or even cooked leafy greens for a lighter meal.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Keywords: Maple Dijon Chicken, Sweet Potato Bowl, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Quinoa Bowl, Comfort Food, Gluten Free Dinner