Description
This Easy Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl features juicy roasted chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon marinade, paired with perfectly caramelized smoked paprika sweet potatoes. A simple, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 500g / 1.1 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds
- Extra maple syrup drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Spread them evenly on one side of the baking sheet.
- Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful marinade.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help achieve a nice sear and glaze. Arrange the chicken thighs on the other side of the baking sheet. Brush half of the marinade evenly over each piece of chicken, reserving the remaining marinade for later.
- Initial Roasting: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. This starts the cooking process while allowing the sweet potatoes to begin caramelizing.
- Flip and Baste: Using tongs, flip each chicken thigh to the other side and brush with the remaining marinade. Toss the sweet potatoes gently to ensure even roasting on all sides.
- Continue Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender and nicely caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from oven and scoop the roasted chicken and sweet potatoes into bowls. Top with toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds and drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added freshness.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before applying the marinade helps achieve a better sear and glaze.
- Using a high oven temperature (425°F) ensures crispy sweet potatoes and juicy chicken thighs.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through roasting and basting with remaining marinade creates a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be crisped up under the broiler for best texture.
Keywords: maple Dijon chicken, roasted chicken thighs, sweet potato bowl, easy chicken dinner, one-pan meal, healthy dinner, roasted sweet potatoes