Name: Maple Dijon Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls That Comfort Your Soul Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium Sweet Potatoes (Substitution: Butternut squash or carrots can be used for a different sweet profile.); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Substitution: Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can be used.); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Tip: Fresh minced garlic can be substituted for a more robust taste.); Salt, to taste; Black Pepper, to taste; 4 Chicken Breasts (Substitution: Chicken thighs can be used for extra flavor and juiciness.); 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup (Substitution: Honey can be swapped for a different sweetener.); 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard (Tip: Whole grain mustard offers a chunkier texture and different flavor profile.); 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for marinade); Salt and Black Pepper, to taste; 1 cup Quinoa or Brown Rice (Tip: Substituting with cooked leafy greens can create a lighter dish.); Fresh Herbs such as parsley or cilantro for garnish

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes (Substitution: butternut squash or carrots)

2 tablespoons olive oil (Substitution: avocado oil or melted coconut oil)

1 teaspoon garlic powder (Tip: fresh minced garlic for a robust taste)

4 chicken breasts (Substitution: chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness)

3 tablespoons maple syrup (Substitution: honey)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Tip: whole grain mustard for a chunkier texture)

1 cup quinoa or brown rice (Tip: cooked leafy greens for a lighter dish)

Fresh herbs (Suggestion: parsley or cilantro)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

Step 4: Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Prepare quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions.

Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken and assemble bowls with quinoa or rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a more intense flavor.

Swap chicken breasts for thighs to add juiciness and depth of flavor.

Use honey instead of maple syrup to vary the sweetness.

Try whole grain mustard for added texture in the marinade.

Substitute quinoa or rice with cooked leafy greens for a lighter option.

Garnish with parsley or cilantro to brighten the dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes yield the best texture, frozen sweet potato cubes can be used. Adjust roasting time as needed to ensure they become tender and caramelized.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness, but if short on time, you can cook the chicken directly and brush the sauce on during cooking for a similar taste.