Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl is the star of this delightfully simple and satisfying recipe, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that elevate everyday chicken breasts into a gourmet experience. This dish is your answer to a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or delightful weekend lunches.
Key Ingredients for Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- For the Maple Dijon Sauce:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark or amber is recommended for richer flavor)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (whole grain or smooth, your preference)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- For the Bowl Base & Toppings:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed or roasted
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds or pecans for crunch
How to Make Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl:
This Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl is incredibly easy to prepare, promising a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. The magic lies in the simple yet flavorful maple Dijon sauce that perfectly coats tender, pan-seared chicken. Get ready for a fuss-free culinary win!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which will cook more evenly and quickly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Maple Dijon Sauce: While the chicken is resting, reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed; you might want a little more vinegar for tang or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Slice the Chicken: Once slightly cooled, thinly slice the cooked chicken breasts against the grain.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked quinoa or brown rice evenly between two serving bowls. Top with the steamed or roasted broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Dress and Serve: Place the sliced maple Dijon chicken over the vegetables in each bowl. Drizzle generously with the warm maple Dijon sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and toasted nuts, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl:
You’ll absolutely adore this Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl for its incredible flavor combination that strikes the perfect chord between sweet maple and zesty Dijon, enveloping tender chicken in a delightful glaze. Making this dish at home not only saves you money compared to restaurant takeout but also gives you control over fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it a smart and healthy choice. The vibrant mix of textures and colors from the crisp vegetables and fluffy grains, complemented by the rich, savory sauce, makes every bite a culinary joy, reminiscent of a more complex dish but achievable in minutes.
Forget the fuss of complicated recipes; this Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl offers that satisfying, restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and incredibly simple. It’s a versatile dish that easily adapts to your favorite grains and crunchy toppings, making it a go-to for satisfying your cravings the healthy and budget-friendly way. Don’t wait – whip up this delightful bowl for a quick, flavorful meal that will have you coming back for more!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Leftover Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure all components are completely cooled before storing. To reheat, you have a few options for best results.
For the best texture, reheat the chicken and vegetables separately from the grains. You can gently warm the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Warm the grains separately by steaming them briefly, microwaving them with a splash of water, or toasting them lightly in a dry skillet. Once warmed, reassemble the bowls and drizzle with any remaining sauce (which can also be stored separately ).
Freezing is also an option for longer-term storage. It’s best to freeze the components separately if possible to maintain texture. Store individual portions of cooked chicken, grains, and vegetables in freezer-safe containers or bags. The sauce can also be frozen in small containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above. Keep in mind that the quality of vegetables might slightly diminish after freezing and thawing.
Final Thoughts:
This Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an exceptionally flavorful and satisfying meal. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, homemade dish that’s both quick and delicious. Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet and savory in every bite!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, which will cook more evenly and quickly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- While the chicken is resting, reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.1 clove garlic
- Pour in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed; you might want a little more vinegar for tang or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Once slightly cooled, thinly slice the cooked chicken breasts against the grain.2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Divide the cooked quinoa or brown rice evenly between two serving bowls. Top with the steamed or roasted broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced red onion.2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 cup red onion
- Place the sliced maple Dijon chicken over the vegetables in each bowl. Drizzle generously with the warm maple Dijon sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and toasted nuts, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Maple Dijon Chicken Bowl!2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds or pecans