Save to Pinterest The first time I made this maple Dijon glaze, I was actually trying to salvage a dinner that felt too ordinary. That sweet and tangy combination hit the pan and my whole apartment smelled like a cozy restaurant kitchen. Now this bowl recipe is my go-to when I want something that feels special but comes together on a weeknight.
My sister was visiting last fall when I first served these bowls, and she literally stopped mid-bite to ask what I had done to the chicken. We sat at the counter picking at the roasted sweet potatoes long after we were full. Thats when I knew this recipe wasnt just good, it was the kind of meal that brings people back to the table.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pound them to even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy throughout
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup: Real maple syrup makes a difference here, the artificial stuff just does not caramelize the same way
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Use a good quality Dijon with some bite to balance the sweetness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to get that nice golden crust
- Salt and black pepper: Season generously since the glaze will carry most of the flavor
- 2 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed into bite sized pieces that roast beautifully
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved so they get crispy edges in the oven
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Toss the vegetables thoroughly so they roast instead of steam
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Just a hint enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary: Finely chopped, it adds an earthy contrast to the maple glaze
- 1 cup brown or wild rice: Cook according to package directions for a hearty base
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans: Optional but they add such a nice crunch alongside the soft roasted vegetables
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Little tart bites that brighten up the whole bowl
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh pop of color and flavor at the end
Instructions
- Get the oven and rice going:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and start cooking the rice first since it needs the most time
- Prep the vegetables for roasting:
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and rosemary until everything is evenly coated
- Roast until golden:
- Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through so they caramelize on all sides
- Whisk the glaze together:
- While vegetables roast, stir together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth
- Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper
- Sear to perfection:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat, add chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, brushing with the glaze during the last 2 minutes until it is sticky and cooked through
- Let it rest:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep all the juices inside
- Build your bowls:
- Divide the rice among four bowls, top with roasted vegetables and sliced chicken, then drizzle any remaining glaze over everything
- Finish with toppings:
- Sprinkle with pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become my Sunday meal prep staple because the flavors actually get better after a day in the fridge. Something about that maple Dijon sauce melding with the roasted vegetables makes each leftover bowl feel just as special as the first night.
Making It Yours
Sometimes I swap in butternut squash for sweet potatoes when that is what looks best at the market. The roasting time stays about the same and it brings a slightly different sweetness that works beautifully with the tangy glaze.
Meal Prep Magic
When I am prepping these for the week, I store each component separately in glass containers. The rice, vegetables, and chicken each get their own container so nothing gets soggy. Then I just warm everything up and assemble when I am ready to eat.
Serving Ideas
These bowls are perfect on their own but sometimes I serve them with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens cut through the sweetness of the maple glaze in the most satisfying way.
- A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors
- If you want extra protein, a soft boiled egg on top is surprisingly delicious
- Leftover glaze keeps in the fridge for a week and is amazing drizzled over roasted vegetables
Save to Pinterest There is something so satisfying about a meal that looks impressive but comes together with such simple ingredients. I hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully and may require slightly longer cooking time. Thighs naturally have more fat, which pairs beautifully with the maple Dijon glaze for extra moisture and flavor.
- → What other vegetables can I substitute?
Butternut squash, carrots, or parsnips make excellent alternatives to sweet potatoes. For Brussels sprouts, try roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans. Adjust roasting times as needed for different vegetables.
- → Is the maple Dijon glaze very sweet?
The glaze offers a balanced sweet-tangy profile. Dijon mustard provides sharp acidity that cuts through the maple syrup's richness, creating more complexity than pure sweetness. You can adjust by reducing maple syrup or adding more mustard to taste.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Extra-firm tofu or tempeh slices work well as protein substitutes. Press tofu first to remove excess moisture, then sear and glaze using the same maple Dijon mixture. Cooking times remain similar.
- → How long do meal prep components stay fresh?
When stored separately in airtight containers, components keep well for 4-5 days. Rice lasts up to 5 days refrigerated, while glazed chicken and roasted vegetables stay fresh for 3-4 days. For best texture, reheat gently and add fresh toppings before serving.
- → Can I grill the chicken instead?
Grilling adds delicious smoky char that complements the sweet glaze perfectly. Brush with maple Dijon mixture during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.