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

Introduction

Maple Dijon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls combine tender, flavorful chicken with caramelized sweet potatoes and wholesome grains for a comforting meal. This dish balances sweet and tangy flavors that will satisfy your appetite and warm your soul.

In a deep white bowl, the bottom layer is light yellow quinoa with a soft, grainy texture. On one side, there are bright orange roasted sweet potato chunks with a slightly charred, crispy surface. At the center, several slices of grilled chicken breast display golden-brown grill marks, covered with a creamy, beige mustard sauce that has a smooth and glossy finish. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top of the chicken and sweet potatoes, adding a touch of vibrant color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (or butternut squash or carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
  • 4 chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard)
  • 1 cup quinoa or brown rice (or cooked leafy greens)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  4. Step 4: Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.
  5. 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).
  6. Step 6: Prepare the quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions.
  7. Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken and assemble the bowls with quinoa or rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

  • For a more robust garlic flavor, substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic.
  • Try chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
  • Use whole grain mustard for a chunkier texture and more complex flavor.
  • Swap quinoa or rice with cooked leafy greens to lighten up the dish.
  • Replace sweet potatoes with butternut squash or carrots for a different sweet profile.
  • Honey can be used instead of maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, reheat sweet potatoes separately to maintain their caramelized edges.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom, a base of small, light-colored quinoa grains is spread evenly; on the left side, large chunks of bright orange roasted sweet potatoes with charred grill marks are piled; on the right, slices of grilled chicken breast with visible grill marks are arranged in a fan shape on top of the quinoa, each piece drizzled generously with a creamy light brown sauce speckled with black pepper; fresh green herbs, including sprigs of thyme, are placed on and around the chicken and sweet potatoes, adding a fresh pop of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and safe eating.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist, but if you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken with a glaze of the maple-Dijon mixture applied during cooking.

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


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Maple Dijon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowl is a comforting and nutritious meal featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce, paired with roasted sweet potatoes and fluffy quinoa or brown rice. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and fresh flavors while offering a satisfying and colorful presentation.


Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (or substitute with butternut squash or carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Chicken Marinade and Cooking

  • 4 chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for juicier option)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Grain Base and Garnish

  • 1 cup quinoa or brown rice (cooked as per package instructions)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or cilantro recommended)

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. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they become tender and caramelized.
  3. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in the maple Dijon marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes so the flavors fully absorb.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Prepare the Grain Base: While the chicken cooks, prepare quinoa or brown rice according to the package instructions.
  7. Assemble the Bowls: Slice the cooked chicken breasts. In serving bowls, layer the cooked quinoa or brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Substitutions for sweet potatoes include butternut squash or carrots for a different natural sweetness and texture.
  • Olive oil can be swapped with avocado oil or melted coconut oil depending on flavor preference and dietary needs.
  • Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor.
  • Chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative to chicken breasts.
  • Honey can substitute maple syrup if desired.
  • Whole grain mustard adds a chunkier texture and different flavor profile compared to Dijon mustard.
  • Use fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish to brighten the dish.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Roasting and Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Maple Dijon Chicken, Sweet Potato Bowls, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Healthy Chicken Recipes, Quinoa Bowls, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner

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