Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls – Easy, Cozy, and Delicious

Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls are that perfect middle ground between cozy comfort and clean eating — like a warm hug in dinner form. Sweet maple syrup meets tangy Dijon mustard, roasted sweet potatoes, and golden seared chicken for a bowl that tastes like fall but works any time of year. The best part? Each serving packs 47 grams of protein and feels satisfying without weighing you down.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or wrangling a weeknight dinner after work, this dish hits that sweet spot between wholesome and crave-worthy. It’s family-friendly too (because who doesn’t love something sweet and saucy?). Once you drizzle that maple-Dijon glaze and toss on a few cranberries for color, you’ll have a dinner that feels fancy but comes together faster than your favorite takeout.

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What is Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls?

Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls are a hearty, nutrient-packed meal featuring tender chicken glazed with a maple-Dijon sauce, served with roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and a bed of warm rice. Think of it as your weekday dinner’s glow-up — a combo of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that taste restaurant-level but are simple to whip up at home.

The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully with the mustard, giving the chicken a glossy finish, while the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts bring that natural sweetness and crunch we all crave. With every bite, you get comfort and nourishment rolled into one. It’s that “wow, I made this?” kind of meal that makes you look like a pro, even if you’re still finding your rhythm in the kitchen.

Reasons to Try Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

There are plenty of reasons to love these Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls, but let’s start with the big ones. First, they’re high in protein and fiber, making them perfect for refueling after a long day. Second, the flavor combo? It’s out of this world — sweet, tangy, and a little nutty if you toss on some pecans. Third, they’re a one-pan (plus skillet) situation, which means fewer dishes.

Busy weeknight? You’ll still have dinner ready in under 45 minutes. It’s also endlessly customizable — swap rice for quinoa, toss in extra veggies, or make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding chickpeas. And let’s be honest, anything with maple syrup feels like a treat. These bowls make eating healthy feel like a reward, not a chore.

Ingredients Needed to Make Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard plus 1 tablespoon, divided
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), cubed
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved or quartered
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 cup brown or wild rice, uncooked
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped pecans, for topping (optional)
• Dried cranberries, for topping (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions to Make Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

Let’s walk through this delicious recipe step by step, from roasting those golden veggies to glazing the chicken to perfection. By the end, you’ll have a bowl that’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced — the kind of meal that feels like a cozy autumn evening but takes less than an hour to make.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven

Before you dive in, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when your veggies hit the sheet pan, they’ll start crisping and caramelizing right away. Peel and cube your sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks, then halve or quarter your Brussels sprouts depending on their size.

Toss them together in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a generous pinch of salt and black pepper, and, if you’re feeling festive, a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh rosemary. Spread the veggies out evenly on a baking sheet — spacing them out helps them roast instead of steam. For more detailed roasting tips, check out my Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey — it’s full of handy tricks for getting that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Roast the Veggies to Perfection

Slide your tray of veggies into the oven and roast them for 25–30 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through at the 15-minute mark. This step by step rotation helps them cook evenly and get that irresistible caramelized edge. You’ll know they’re ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, and the Brussels sprouts are lightly crisped and golden brown. While your kitchen fills with that cozy roasted aroma, move on to the next part — cooking your chicken and rice.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

While the veggies roast, cook 1 cup of brown or wild rice according to the package instructions. For an earthy flavor twist, you can even try wild rice or quinoa. I love the nutty texture quinoa adds — if you’re curious, you can peek at my Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Zucchini for a similar grain-based dinner that pairs beautifully with veggies and lean protein. Once your rice is cooked, keep it covered to stay warm.

Step 4: Make the Maple-Dijon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup Dijon mustard until smooth and glossy. This is your magic sauce — sweet, tangy, and ready to make that chicken unforgettable. Taste a tiny bit (chef’s privilege!) and adjust if needed — if you prefer it tangier, add a touch more mustard; if you love sweetness, drizzle in a bit more maple syrup. This glaze will not only coat your chicken beautifully but also serve as a drizzle at the end for that extra layer of flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken (The Step by Step Way to Juicy Perfection)

Here’s where your step by step focus pays off. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken to the pan. Let it sear for 5–6 minutes per side without moving it around — that’s how you get a golden, flavorful crust. In the last two minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with your maple-Dijon glaze on both sides.

The glaze will bubble slightly, coating the chicken in a sweet and savory sheen. Be patient here — don’t crank the heat or you’ll risk burning the sugars in the syrup. If you’re new to pan-searing, my Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup has some additional tips on how to keep chicken tender and juicy every time.

Step 6: Make the Finishing Drizzle

Once the chicken is cooked through (an internal temp of 165°F is your target), remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. While it rests, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard in the same bowl you used earlier. This simple extra sauce will take your dish from tasty to restaurant-worthy.

Step 7: Slice, Assemble, and Serve

Now for the best part — assembling your Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls. Slice the rested chicken thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Divide the cooked rice evenly into four bowls, then spoon over your roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Lay the chicken slices on top, then drizzle with your maple-Dijon sauce. For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle on chopped pecans, a few dried cranberries, and some fresh parsley. The result? A picture-perfect meal that’s sweet, savory, and completely satisfying.

If you’d like to round out your dinner with a comforting side, these bowls pair beautifully with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a crisp, fall-inspired Harvest Cranberry Deviled Eggs appetizer.

By following this recipe step by step, you’ll end up with Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls that are not only easy to make but impressive enough to serve guests. Each bite balances that natural sweetness from maple syrup with the tang of Dijon mustard and the earthy heartiness of roasted vegetables — truly a dish that proves healthy can also be hearty and delicious.

What to Serve with Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

This meal stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re hosting or want to stretch it into a feast, try pairing it with something like Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey for double the fall goodness, or add a bright side like Harvest Cranberry Deviled Eggs. A chilled apple cider or sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice also makes a refreshing match. For dessert, a light bite of Delicious Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple ties the flavors together beautifully.

Key Tips for Making Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

• Pound chicken to even thickness before cooking — it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
• Don’t glaze too early or the sugars will burn.
• Always use pure maple syrup; pancake syrup won’t give that authentic depth of flavor.
• Roast veggies in a single layer so they caramelize instead of steaming.
• For a fall flavor boost, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
• Want to meal prep? Store components separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Keep the drizzle sauce in a separate container to add after reheating. Reheat the chicken and veggies in the microwave for about 90 seconds, or use a skillet over low heat to maintain that crispy edge. If you plan to freeze it, store without rice (it tends to get mushy). Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. A quick drizzle of fresh maple-Dijon sauce after warming up brings all the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicy and work beautifully here. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
What’s a good vegetarian option? Try roasted chickpeas or tofu glazed in the same maple-Dijon sauce.
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely — it’s perfect for meal prep. Assemble bowls without the sauce, and drizzle when ready to serve.
How can I make it lower in carbs? Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Final Thoughts

Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls are a wholesome, flavor-packed dinner that fits right into real life — quick to make, comforting to eat, and full of nourishing ingredients. It’s one of those meals that proves healthy food doesn’t have to be bland or boring. If you love this recipe, check out our Maple Cranberry Butter Recipe for another cozy, maple-inspired favorite.

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