There's something about the sweet tang of mustard paired with maple syrup that just sings comfort—and that’s exactly what makes this Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe so irresistible. Sticky, savory chicken with tender roasted veggies comes together in one pan—you’ll get dinner on the table without fuss, but with oodles of flavor.
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 with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I genuinely enjoy making this Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe because it balances sweet and savory in the best way. Plus, the one-pan method means less cleanup, which I definitely appreciate on busy nights.
- Simple But Sophisticated: It looks like a special meal but takes minimal effort.
- One-Pan Wonder: Roasting chicken and vegetables together locks in incredible flavors without extra work.
- Balanced Flavors: The maple syrup’s sweetness pairs beautifully with two types of Dijon mustard for depth.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or adjust sweetness and tang to your liking.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This combination of ingredients is where the magic happens—each brings its own personality to the dish. Using two kinds of Dijon mustard adds complexity, while maple syrup offers natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
- Canola (or avocado/grapeseed) oil: Neutral flavor with a high smoke point perfect for roasting.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and forgiving compared to breasts, they stay tender even if you go a minute over.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a lovely color contrast.
- Dijon mustard (regular and whole grain): The sharpness with subtle textures elevates the sauce richness.
- Pure maple syrup: Sweetens naturally and caramelizes for a sticky glaze.
- Apple cider vinegar: Introduces brightness that keeps the dish balanced.
- Coarse kosher sea salt: Enhances flavors without overpowering.
- Diced sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the chicken and add hearty texture.
- Halved Brussels sprouts: Slightly bitter edge contrasts the sweetness for a perfect balance.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Everyday seasonings that bring all flavors together.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting and tweaking this Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe based on what’s fresh or what leftovers I have on hand. It’s so forgiving and I encourage you to make it your own.
- Variation: Adding a handful of sliced apples or pears in with the vegetables adds a lovely natural sweetness and a touch of autumn flair—I tried this last fall and it was a hit at dinner!
- Dietary Swap: For a lighter version, use chicken breasts instead of thighs, and consider swapping sweet potatoes for butternut squash or carrots.
- Spice Level: If you’re in the mood for heat, a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes mixed into the sauce wakes it right up.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep your pan and chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread 2 teaspoons of your chosen oil evenly on the bottom of a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. I always find the oil helps the chicken brown beautifully instead of sticking. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, giving each piece a gentle rub. This little seasoning trick adds subtle depth and that inviting rosy color.
Step 2: Make the maple Dijon sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ cup whole grain Dijon mustard, ⅓ cup pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon coarse kosher sea salt. The blend of smooth and grainy mustard with the sweet maple syrup is what makes this sauce sing. I always taste a little bit here to make sure it’s just balanced—sometimes a splash more vinegar helps cut through.
Step 3: Start baking the chicken
Spoon about a third of the sauce over the chicken thighs in the skillet. Pop the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial roasting locks in juices and lets the sauce start bubbling up. I use this time to chop the veggies if I haven’t already—they go next!
Step 4: Add the sweet potatoes and more sauce
Remove the skillet from the oven carefully (it’ll be hot!). Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the chicken, then scatter 2 cups of diced sweet potatoes around. The sweet potatoes absorb the sauce and soften while cooking. Pop it all back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Brussels sprouts and finish roasting
After 10 minutes, take the skillet out again and spread the rest of the sauce on the chicken. Now add 2 cups of halved Brussels sprouts to the pan, seasoning everything with salt and black pepper. The Brussels sprouts roast nicely alongside the sweet potatoes, soaking up any extra sauce. Return to the oven and roast for 20 more minutes, until everything is fork-tender and caramelized.
Step 6: Serve right away
Once done, let the skillet cool just slightly—it’s going to be super hot! Serve the chicken and roasted vegetables right from the pan for that cozy, rustic vibe. You’ll love how sticky and flavorful the chicken is with those caramelized veggies.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned some little tricks that really help nail this recipe every time. It’s simple, but those small moments matter—especially when you want your chicken juicy and veggies perfectly tender.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Let your chicken thighs come to room temperature before roasting—they cook more evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your veggies have space in the skillet; crowding steams them instead of roasting.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It heats evenly and helps achieve a nice caramelized crust on the chicken and veggies.
- Watch Your Oven Temperature: If your oven runs hot, consider lowering to 400°F to avoid burning the maple syrup glaze while still roasting to perfection.
How to Serve Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top before serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich glaze. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few lemon zest curls—this little zing really lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete meal on its own, but if you want extra sides, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully. Crusty bread to mop up any maple mustard sauce is another favorite of mine. Late fall? Toss together a wild rice pilaf with toasted almonds for a hearty finish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like serving the chicken on a large wooden board surrounded by the roasted veggies. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens gives it that wow factor. Another time, I layered the chicken and vegetables over creamy mashed cauliflower to make it extra comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken and veggies have cooled before sealing to keep everything fresh. This recipe reheats beautifully without drying out.
Freezing
I've found that freezing cooked chicken thighs with vegetables works well if you want to prep ahead. Freeze in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid squishing. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven: place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and the vegetables from getting mushy like the microwave sometimes does.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving in this recipe. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying them out.
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash, carrots, or even regular potatoes. Brussels sprouts can be replaced with green beans, asparagus, or broccoli—just adjust roasting times accordingly.
Maple syrup can burn if your oven temperature is too high or if it’s left exposed for too long. To avoid this, roast at 425°F but keep an eye on the dish as it bakes. You can also lower the temp slightly to 400°F if you notice excessive browning. Using a cast iron skillet helps distribute heat evenly.
Yes! This Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use mustard and vinegar brands that don’t contain gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to again and again. It strikes that perfect balance of easy-to-make and impressive to serve, cozy but refined. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s exactly the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your weeknight favorite too.
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Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A delicious and easy Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs baked with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce, accompanied by tender sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 teaspoon canola oil (or avocado or grapeseed oil)
- 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher sea salt
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (¾-inch cubes)
- 2 cups halved Brussels sprouts
- 2 teaspoon 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 prepare for baking.
- Prepare Chicken: Spread 2 teaspoons of oil on the bottom of a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Add the chicken thighs and season evenly with paprika.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, whole grain Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and coarse kosher sea salt until well combined. Spoon one-third of this sauce over the chicken thighs.
- Bake Chicken: Place the skillet with chicken in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Remove the skillet from the oven, spoon half of the remaining sauce over the chicken, then add the diced sweet potatoes. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Add Brussels Sprouts: Remove the skillet again, spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken and vegetables, add the halved Brussels sprouts, and season vegetables with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of oil. Return to oven and continue baking for 20 minutes or until the potatoes and Brussels sprouts are fork-tender.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the Maple Dijon Chicken and Vegetables immediately while hot.
Notes
- This recipe uses a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven for even cooking and easy stovetop-to-oven transition.
- Substitute canola oil with avocado or grapeseed oil for a healthier fat option.
- Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
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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