Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls combine tender, caramelized chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and fresh greens for a dinner that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. I love making this when I need something satisfying but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen, and the tangy-sweet sauce brings everything together beautifully.

There’s something special about a meal that looks restaurant-quality but comes together in your own kitchen with simple ingredients. I started making these bowls on busy weeknights when I needed something filling that wouldn’t derail my healthy eating goals. The maple Dijon sauce was a happy accident – I was out of my usual honey mustard and mixed what I had on hand. Now, it’s the star of this healthy dinner recipe. The roasted sweet potatoes get crispy edges while the chicken soaks up that incredible sauce, and the fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. This has become my go-to Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls recipe for meal prep Sundays too.

What You’ll Need for These Nourishing Bowls

Let me walk you through everything for these Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls. I always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein, but thighs work beautifully if you prefer juicier meat. Pro tip: cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces ensures even cooking every time.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed (baby spinach works great)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Maple Dijon Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (I prefer grainy Dijon for texture)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (always use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Personal recommendation: I like to buy sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they roast evenly. If your sweet potatoes vary in size, cut the larger ones into smaller pieces to match. Orange-fleshed varieties like Garnet or Jewel work best for this recipe.

How to Make Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls

I recommend reading through all the steps before starting so you can time everything perfectly. The sweet potatoes and chicken cook simultaneously, making this recipe efficient and table-ready in about 45 minutes.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated – this ensures maximum flavor and helps them caramelize beautifully.

Step 3: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them or they’ll steam instead of roast. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden brown with crispy edges, flipping them at the 12-15 minute mark for even browning.

Step 4: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and has nice browned bits. If using larger chicken breasts, you may need an extra 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. The sauce should be glossy and pourable.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet over medium heat. Pour the maple Dijon sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat every piece. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken. The sauce will look thin and runny at first, then gradually reduce and become glossy and sticky. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 7: To assemble your Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls, divide the roasted sweet potatoes among 4 serving bowls. Top each with the sauced chicken and add fresh spinach leaves. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Perfect Pairings for Your Chicken Bowls

These Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls are satisfying on their own, but the right side dish can make them even better.

Citrus Arugula Salad: The peppery arugula and bright citrus segments cut through the richness of the maple sauce while adding a refreshing contrast. Toss baby arugula with orange segments and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the sweet maple notes beautifully. Roast them alongside your sweet potatoes for easy timing and added nutrients.

Quinoa or Brown Rice: If you need extra heartiness, a scoop of fluffy quinoa or nutty brown rice makes these best sides for Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls even more filling and adds whole grains to your meal.

Garlic Green Beans: Quick-sautéed green beans with garlic add a crisp, savory element that complements the tender chicken and sweet potatoes without competing with the main flavors.

More Healthy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

These Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls fit perfectly into a rotation of wholesome, flavor-packed meals that make weeknight cooking easy and delicious. For another protein-rich bowl option, try the savory Ground Turkey Rice Bowls which offer similar meal prep benefits with a completely different flavor profile. The Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce deliver that same satisfying combination of lean protein and vegetables with an irresistible creamy element.

When the weather turns cooler, balance these fresh bowls with comforting soups like the hearty Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup or the lighter Healing Ginger Garlic Broth with Rice Noodles. For more sweet potato inspiration, the Apple Cider Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes showcases how versatile this nutritious vegetable can be in healthy dinner recipes.

Storing and Reheating Your Meal Prep Bowls

I recommend storing the components separately in airtight containers for the best quality. The chicken and sweet potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making these Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls perfect for weekly meal prep.

For reheating, warm the chicken and sweet potatoes in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent drying out. This takes about 5 minutes. Add the fresh spinach after reheating so it stays vibrant and crisp.

Pro tip: freeze the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce freezes beautifully too, so you can make a double batch and have it ready whenever you need it.

Common Questions About This Healthy Dinner Recipe

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