Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: the Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl! It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is so simple to whip up, you’ll want to make it all the time. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was searching for something cozy and satisfying after a long day. The combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard creates a flavor explosion that just makes my taste buds dance! Plus, with juicy chicken served over fluffy quinoa and vibrant veggies, this bowl is not only delicious but also beautifully comforting. Trust me, once you give this Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl a try, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your delicious Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl. I promise, the simplicity of these ingredients makes it super easy to gather everything before you start cooking!
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have all these on hand, and feel free to adjust any of the veggies to your liking. You can easily swap in your favorites or what you have in the fridge! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl
Let’s get cooking! Preparing the Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with amazing aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your chicken bakes evenly and comes out juicy. While that’s happening, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade is where the magic happens—it’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious. Make sure everything’s well combined before you move on!
Baking the Chicken
Next, it’s time to coat those chicken breasts! Take each piece and thoroughly cover it in your lovely marinade. Place the chicken in a baking dish, and pour any leftover marinade on top for extra flavor. Now, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Oh, and don’t forget to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking—this keeps it tender and juicy when you slice it!
Assembling the Bowl
Now comes the fun part—assembling your Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl! Start with a generous scoop of quinoa as your base, then pile on the vibrant steamed broccoli and halved cherry tomatoes. Finally, slice your chicken into juicy pieces and arrange it beautifully on top. Feel free to drizzle any extra marinade over the bowl for that added kick. And there you have it—a colorful, satisfying meal that’s as good to look at as it is to eat! Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness of the marinade. If you like it a bit sweeter, add an extra splash of maple syrup. On the flip side, if you prefer a bit more tang, just add a touch more Dijon mustard. And speaking of flavors, feel free to mix up the veggies! I love adding roasted bell peppers or even some snap peas for crunch. Also, remember to let the chicken rest after baking—this step really makes a difference in keeping it juicy. Finally, don’t skimp on that marinading time if you have extra minutes; even 15 minutes can enhance the flavor significantly. Happy cooking, my friend!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying the Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also a balanced meal! Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional values for one serving of this delicious bowl:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so they can vary slightly depending on your specific brands and any adjustments you make. But overall, you can feel good about digging into this wholesome, hearty bowl!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! If chicken isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a change, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. I love using turkey breasts or even tofu for a fantastic vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly—if you’re using tofu, you’ll want to press it first to remove excess moisture. Shrimp is also a delicious alternative that cooks up quickly! Just remember to keep an eye on those cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly done!
What can I serve with this dish?
The Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl is so versatile, and you can definitely enhance the meal experience with some great sides! I often serve it with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You could also whip up some roasted sweet potatoes or a medley of seasonal veggies for a heartier addition. If you’re in the mood for something crunchy, a handful of nuts or seeds sprinkled on top can add a nice texture. And don’t forget about some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce—yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The flavor combo of sweet maple and tangy Dijon is out of this world!
- Healthy ingredients packed with protein and fiber make it a nourishing choice.
- Beautifully colorful, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or grains!
- Leftovers store well, so you can enjoy it again for lunch or dinner!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser; even picky eaters will love this dish!
Trust me, once you try this Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl, you’ll be singing its praises just like I do!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl properly means you can enjoy those amazing flavors even after the first meal! If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), let the bowl cool down to room temperature before you stash it away. I like to use airtight containers to keep everything fresh and tasty. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and trust me, the flavors get even better as they mingle!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the microwave for the quickest option. Just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure everything gets heated evenly. If you want to keep that chicken tender and avoid drying it out, consider covering the bowl with a damp paper towel while reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
One thing to remember: always check that your chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before digging in again. With these tips, you’ll enjoy every last bite of your delicious Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl! Happy eating!
Print
Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl: 7 Flavor-packed Reasons to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful bowl featuring chicken, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the mixture.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a bowl, layer quinoa, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and chicken.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use any cooked grain as a base.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl, Chicken, Quinoa Bowl, Healthy Dinner