There’s something just so satisfying about a meal that’s both cozy and bright, and this Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. The tangy mustard meets the sweetness of maple syrup to create a sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken and roasted veggies—trust me, you’ll want to make it part of your dinner rotation.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This dish has become one of my favorites because it’s so approachable yet impressive. The balanced flavors and ease of preparation make this Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe perfect for both weeknight meals and casual dinner guests.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge, making it an easy go-to.
- One-Pan Wonder: Using just one cast iron skillet or Dutch oven means minimal cleanup—always a win in my book.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The maple syrup adds just the right sweetness to the sharp Dijon mustard, creating a rich, tangy glaze that’s irresistible.
- Hearty & Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from the chicken and veggies, it’s a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The way the ingredients come together here is genius. Sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts roast up tender and caramelized, while the chicken thighs stay juicy under that luscious maple-Dijon glaze. When choosing your ingredients, I recommend picking firm, fresh vegetables, and boneless skinless chicken thighs for the best results.
- Canola (or avocado or grapeseed) oil: These oils have high smoke points, perfect for roasting without burning the chicken or veggies.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy and flavorful during roasting compared to breasts, making a big difference here.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a pop of color.
- Dijon mustard (both smooth and whole grain): The combination delivers creamy tang along with nice texture and a slight bite.
- Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient! It brings natural sweetness that balances the sharpness of the mustard.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness.
- Coarse kosher sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Diced sweet potatoes: Slightly sweet and tender, they soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Halved Brussels sprouts: Roast to a gorgeous caramelized finish—they’re a personal favorite of mine for this dish.
- Salt and ground black pepper: For seasoning to taste.
Make It Your Way
I like to tweak the vegetables depending on the season or what’s on hand; swapping out Brussels sprouts for green beans or adding some sliced carrots works well. You’ll find that the maple-Dijon sauce is incredibly versatile, so don’t be shy about making it your own.
- Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary before serving — it infuses a lovely herbal aroma. Sometimes I swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash to change things up.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken with a Flavorful Start
First up, I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, I coat the bottom of my cast iron skillet with 2 teaspoons of oil, making sure it’s evenly spread to prevent sticking. The chicken thighs get a light dusting of paprika — this adds color and a subtle smoky essence. Season with a pinch of salt, and you’re set for the next step.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Maple Dijon Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the smooth Dijon mustard, whole grain Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt until glossy and smooth. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, delivering that signature sweet-tangy punch.
Step 3: Start Roasting the Chicken
Spoon about one-third of the maple Dijon sauce over each chicken thigh, ensuring they’re well coated. Pop the skillet into the oven and bake for 10 minutes — this initial roasting sets the flavors and lets the chicken begin to cook evenly without drying out.
Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes and More Sauce
Carefully remove the skillet (hot, so use oven mitts!) and spoon half of the remaining sauce generously over the chicken. Add the diced sweet potatoes around the chicken for roasting. Slip the skillet back in and bake for another 10 minutes. You’ll start to notice the sweet potatoes softening and getting a slight golden edge.
Step 5: Finish with Brussels Sprouts and Final Basting
Pull the skillet out one last time and spoon the remaining sauce over the whole dish. Toss in the halved Brussels sprouts, nestling them among the chicken and sweet potatoes. Return to the oven for a final 20 minutes of roasting, until the vegetables are fork-tender and the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
Once done, let everything rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute. This combination of layers roasted together allows the flavors to fully blend—one of the reasons I’m so taken with this recipe!
Top Tip
In my experience, the key to mastering the Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe lies in timing and layering the sauce. Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to help you nail it every time.
- Preheat Your Oven Fully: Starting with a hot oven is crucial for that perfect caramelization on the chicken and veggies.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the vegetables some breathing room so they roast instead of steam.
- Spoon the Sauce Generously: Basting the chicken and veggies multiple times ensures the sauce thickens and clings delightfully.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking the internal temp of chicken thighs (should be 165°F) helps avoid drying out while keeping them juicy.
How to Serve Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top just before serving—it adds a fresh herbal note and a splash of color that brightens the plate. A small drizzle of extra maple syrup can also elevate that sweet-savory balance if you want to indulge a little.
Side Dishes
This dish is so filling on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Sometimes a side of crusty bread works great to mop up the maple-Dijon sauce—never underestimate the power of bread!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I've served this on a large wooden board with the chicken and vegetables arranged family-style, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges on the side. It makes for a warm, inviting centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They usually keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe a few times with success—just make sure everything cools completely before sealing it tightly in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain moisture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a touch of water or broth to prevent drying out, or use the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the chicken tender and veggies crisp-tender.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can substitute chicken breasts, but because they are leaner, keep a close eye on cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Consider reducing the baking time slightly and checking for doneness sooner.
Green beans, asparagus, or even broccoli make great substitutes. Just ensure the vegetables you choose have a similar roast time so everything finishes together.
Yes! None of the ingredients contain gluten, so it’s safe for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check your mustard label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Absolutely. The maple Dijon sauce can be whisked together up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels cozy and comforting, yet fresh and bright at the same time. Every time I make it, my family asks for seconds, and I love how simple it is to pull together with pantry staples. So go ahead, give it a try—I’m pretty sure it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen too.
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Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, all glazed in a flavorful maple and Dijon mustard sauce. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and savory spices, making it an elegant yet simple meal ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tsp. canola oil (or avocado or grapeseed oil)
- 1 ½ lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp. coarse kosher sea salt
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (¾-inch cubes)
- 2 cups halved Brussels sprouts
- 2 tsp. canola oil (or avocado or grapeseed oil)
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's ready for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare Chicken: Spread 2 teaspoons of oil on the bottom of a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and season them evenly with paprika for a smoky flair.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, whole grain Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and coarse kosher salt until smooth to create the flavorful sauce.
- Start Baking Chicken: Spoon one third of the mustard-maple sauce over the chicken thighs. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes to begin cooking the chicken and infusing it with flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon half of the remaining sauce on top of the chicken. Then add the diced sweet potatoes into the skillet around the chicken. Return it to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Take the skillet out again and spoon the last of the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Return the skillet to the oven and continue baking for 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts are fork-tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the maple Dijon chicken and roasted vegetables immediately while warm.
Notes
- This recipe balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it an elegant yet quick dish ideal for weeknights.
- Substitute canola oil with avocado or grapeseed oil for a slightly different flavor profile and healthy fats.
- Ensure vegetables are cut evenly for uniform cooking; ¾-inch cubes for sweet potatoes work best.
- If you don't have a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, use any oven-safe skillet or roasting pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick next-day meal.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 864 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.05 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 162 mg
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