Name: Healthy Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Roasted Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard; 1.5 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary; 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2-3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash; 2 cups trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts; 2 quartered shallots; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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The aroma of roasted chicken wafts through the kitchen, blending seamlessly with the sweet scent of maple drizzled over tender, caramelized vegetables. It’s the kind of smell that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, inviting you to gather around the dinner table. Imagine biting into succulent chicken thighs that are bathed in a sticky, tangy glaze, while perfectly roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and shallots create a vibrant canvas of colors on your plate. This scene isn’t just an ordinary weeknight meal; it’s a comforting hug that warms the heart and the stomach.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Healthy Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Roasted Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Healthy Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Roasted Chicken

Healthy Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Roasted Chicken

As someone who loves food that sparks joy, I always remember the times spent cooking with family, where every meal became an occasion to catch up and share stories. This Healthy Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Roasted Chicken captures that essence, offering a delightful experience in just 40 minutes. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for any day of the week. I can already feel the anticipation building as I invite you to join in the fun of preparing this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: From prep to plate in just 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet maple and zesty mustard creates a savory glaze that dances on your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish makes a stunning centerpiece with its vibrant colors and enticing aroma.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe fits the bill for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets or paired with a fresh salad for a lighter meal option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grainy Dijon Mustard: This mustard gives the glaze its bold flavor and texture. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard works too but will alter the taste slightly.

Pure Maple Syrup: Always choose pure maple syrup for the best flavor! It caramelizes beautifully, adding depth and sweetness to the dish. Honey can be used as a substitute, but it will change the flavor profile.

Dried Rosemary: This herb brings an aromatic pine flavor that complements chicken wonderfully. You can replace it with fresh rosemary if you have it, just adjust the quantity since fresh is more potent.

Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: These cuts are juicy and flavorful. You can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.

Butternut Squash: For a nutty sweetness, use fresh butternut squash, peeled and cubed. Frozen varieties can also be substituted.

Shallots: Their sweet and mild flavor enhances the dish. Yellow onions can be used in a pinch, though they will impart a stronger taste.

Brussels Sprouts: These little gems add a nice crispness. If you’re not a fan, try green beans or broccoli instead.

Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps with the roasting, ensuring everything turns golden brown and crispy. Any high-heat oil will do, such as avocado oil.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Adjust to taste throughout the cooking process to ensure everything is well-seasoned.

How to Make Healthy Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Roasted Chicken

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by placing your jelly roll pan in the oven as it preheats to 425°F. This technique ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately upon contact, giving it a crispy skin and that irresistible sizzle.

Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1.5 tablespoons of grainy Dijon mustard, 1.5 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and 0.5 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You’ll love how it turns into a glossy, sticky glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.

Toss Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, toss together 2-3 cups of peeled and cubed butternut squash, 2 cups of trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, and 2 quartered shallots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste; ensure each piece is well-coated for the best roasting effect.

Season Chicken: Take the four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season them generously with salt and pepper. Now brush a thin layer of the maple mustard sauce over the skin side only, reserving some sauce for later. This initial layer adds flavor while allowing the chicken to brown beautifully in the oven.

Arrange Chicken and Vegetables: Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and place chicken thighs skin-side down onto it—you should hear a delightful sizzle! Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer around the chicken, cut-side down, ensuring there’s space for everything to roast evenly without overcrowding.

Roast and Flip: Roast the chicken and vegetables for about 15 to 18 minutes. Once the chicken is partially cooked, flip the thighs skin-side up, and continue roasting until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures juicy meat while the skin crisps up nicely.

Brush and Broil: Grab that reserved maple mustard sauce and brush it generously over the chicken. Finally, pop the pan under the broiler on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—the goal is a gloriously crispy, caramelized skin that you’ll want to dive into!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten Healthy Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Roasted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to savor it longer, feel free to freeze it for up to three months using a well-sealed container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Just a heads up: the textures might change slightly, but you can refresh the dish by broiling it for those extra crispy bits again.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before roasting to guarantee an even cook.
Avoid overcrowding the pan—this will help everything roast rather than steam, preserving that delightful texture.
If you want to bring extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the mustard and maple mixture for an hour before roasting.
To save time, prep your vegetables ahead of time; they can sit in the oil and seasonings in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Keep an eye on the vegetables during roasting; you want them to be tender and slightly caramelized but not mushy.

In this blend of crispy chicken and vibrant veggies, you have a dish that’s begging to be made time and again. The aroma alone tells you that culinary magic is happening, and the flavors promise to comfort and satiate. Let your creativity shine as you try different vegetables or seasoning variations. Enjoy the experience of cooking and sharing this delicious meal around your own table—give it a go, and let your taste buds rejoice!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts are a leaner choice, they’ll require less cooking time, so keep an eye on the internal temperature—about 20-25 minutes should do, depending on their thickness.

What vegetables can I replace in this recipe?

There’s plenty of room for creativity! Try swapping butternut squash for sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for green beans or broccoli. Just make sure any substitute has a similar roasting time for the best results.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The safest way to check if your chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Make sure it reads 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh. You can also check that the juices run clear, indicating doneness.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can indeed prep the vegetables and chicken the night before, coating the chicken in the glaze and keeping it chilled. Just let everything come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.