If you’re anything like me, you’ll be thrilled to find a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t leave you stuck at the stove for hours. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together the best of fall’s bounty with juicy chicken breasts, roasted veggies, and a sweet-tangy sauce that makes every bite sing. Stick around—I promise this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and will quickly become a dinner favorite in your house!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Pan Meal: You roast everything together, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Perfect Fall Flavors: The warm spices and maple-mustard sauce complement autumn veggies beautifully.
- Juicy Chicken Every Time: Using a hot sheet pan preheated in the oven results in perfectly cooked, tender chicken breasts.
- Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for this combo, and it’s easy enough for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe works together to create layers of flavor, from the earthy Brussels sprouts to the warm cinnamon in the rub. When shopping, try to pick firm, fresh veggies for the best roasting results.
- Chicken breasts or cutlets: Choosing boneless and skinless cuts helps them cook evenly and quickly on the sheet pan.
- Carrots: Cutting on the diagonal not only looks great but helps them cook through while staying tender-crisp.
- Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts roast beautifully—quarter the largest ones so everything cooks evenly.
- Red onion: Adds a sweet, mild bite that softens perfectly in the oven without overpowering the dish.
- Avocado or olive oil: Both oils have a nice, neutral flavor and help the veggies caramelize without burning.
- Brown sugar and warm spices (cumin, cinnamon, ginger): This combo is a game-changer; it adds a cozy fall essence that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken.
- Maple syrup and Dijon mustard: Combine for the maple-mustard sauce that’s both sweet and tangy—a serious crowd-pleaser.
- Mayonnaise: It gives the sauce a creamy texture without being heavy.
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce: Adds umami depth without overwhelming the sweet notes.
- Dried oregano and onion powder: A subtle hint that rounds out the sauce’s flavor profile.
Variations
I’m always tweaking the Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe to suit different moods or what I have in the fridge. Feel free to get creative—it’s a flexible recipe that loves personal touches.
- Veggie Swaps: I’ve swapped in sweet potatoes or butternut squash before for a sweeter, heartier twist that keeps the meal balanced.
- Spice Levels: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry rub kicks up the heat just right for anyone who likes things spicy.
- Sauce Variations: Try swapping the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce or switch to honey if you prefer a different kind of sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your mustard and other condiments to keep it fully safe for gluten-sensitive folks.
How to Make Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Veggies
This trick changed my roasting game: I place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 450°F. That hot pan helps everything cook evenly and beautifully. While the oven warms up, toss your carrots and Brussels sprouts with a tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper—this simple coating gets those veggies roasting to tender and caramelized perfection.
Step 2: Roast the Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
Carefully take that hot sheet pan out (wear oven mitts for safety!) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the carrots and sprouts in a single layer—remember, crowding means steaming, so give them some elbow room. Pop them back in the oven for 15 minutes to start the caramelizing magic.
Step 3: Make the Spice Rub and Season Chicken
While the veggies roast, mix together your brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper for the rub. This blend is what gives the chicken its lovely warmth and depth. Rub the chicken breasts with the remaining teaspoon of oil, then sprinkle the spice blend all over. This little step packs in flavor that’s anything but boring.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Onion, Then Roast Together
After those first 15 minutes, take the sheet pan out again. Give the veggies a gentle stir, create some space, and nestle the seasoned chicken breasts right in with the red onion slices. Don’t toss the onion in earlier—they roast quickly and soften just right. Return the pan to the oven and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, checking at 10 minutes so you don’t overcook the chicken. You’re aiming for 165°F internal temp—for juicy, safe, and tender chicken.
Step 5: Whip Up the Maple-Mustard Sauce
While the chicken roasts, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, coconut aminos, oregano, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The first time I made this sauce, I was skeptical about how well maple and mustard would play together—but trust me, it’s magic. Taste and tweak seasoning to your liking. This sauce ties the whole meal together with its creamy, sweet, and tangy notes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your golden, aromatic chicken breasts alongside the roasted veggies, drizzling or dipping with that luscious maple-mustard sauce. If you have leftovers (lucky you!), stash the sauce in the fridge in a sealed container—it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days.
Pro Tips for Making Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Preheat the Sheet Pan: This trick guarantees crispy edges on your veggies and seals in juice on the chicken—don’t skip it!
- Check the Chicken Temp Early: Start checking at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking—chicken can quickly dry out, and this helps keep it tender.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Giving space on the sheet pan lets the veggies roast instead of steam, resulting in better texture and flavor.
- Customize the Sauce: I love adding a dash more maple syrup or a touch of sriracha for extra zing—it’s your sauce, make it yours!
How to Serve Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme right before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I throw on a few toasted pecans for crunch or a quick squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.
Side Dishes
Even though the sheet pan meal is pretty filling, I’ll often serve it alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette or some crusty artisan bread to mop up any maple-mustard sauce left on the plate. For extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf pair beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve the chicken sliced on a wooden board with the veggies scattered around, letting everyone help themselves family-style. Another favorite is plating the chicken on a bed of warm quinoa or millet and drizzling the sauce artfully on top—simple, elegant, and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken and roasted veggies together in airtight containers in the fridge. They stay delicious for up to 4 days. If you keep the sauce separate, it maintains its creamy texture without absorbing too much moisture from the chicken or veggies.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the chicken and veggies after roasting and found that they reheat nicely, though the texture of the Brussels sprouts softens a bit. For best results, freeze in single servings and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to keep the chicken juicy and veggies crisp up again. The sauce tastes best served cold or at room temperature, so add it after reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well too and tend to stay moister during roasting. Just keep in mind they may need a couple more minutes to cook through, so check their internal temperature and adjust the cook time accordingly.
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Can I prepare the maple-mustard sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This actually gives the flavors a chance to meld more deeply—plus, it saves time on busy dinner nights.
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How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?
While I highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer for the best results, if you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part and that the meat is opaque all the way through. The chicken should feel firm but not rubbery.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses mayonnaise instead of any cream or cheese. Just double-check the mayo brand to ensure it contains no dairy if you’re sensitive.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe comes together—simple, flavorful, and packed with those cozy fall vibes. When I first made it, I was amazed at how the spices and maple sauce transformed basic chicken and veggies into something special without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it out and create your own version. It’s the kind of meal you’ll look forward to making again and again, especially when life gets busy but you still want a home-cooked dinner full of heart and flavor.
PrintHarvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken recipe features juicy, seasoned chicken breasts roasted alongside tender carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red onions for a complete, flavorful meal. A sweet and tangy maple-mustard sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, making it an easy one-pan dinner that balances warm spices and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Sheet Pan Chicken Breasts:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets (1 to 1 1/2 lbs), patted dry
- 12 oz carrots (3-4 large), cut on the diagonal into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, cut in half, about 2 – 2 1/2 cups (large ones cut into quarters)
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced (1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray
For the Maple-Mustard Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons coconut aminos (or 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of fine salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and baking sheet: Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat the oven to 450℉ with the pan inside. This ensures the baking sheet is hot, helping ingredients cook evenly.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the oven preheats, combine carrots and Brussels sprouts in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat everything evenly. Set aside.
- Start roasting the vegetables: Using an oven mitt, carefully remove the hot baking sheet, spray it with nonstick cooking spray, and spread the carrots and Brussels sprouts evenly on the sheet. Return the pan to the oven and roast for 15 minutes.
- Make the seasoning rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cumin, cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to form the spice rub.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil, then sprinkle the seasoning rub evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts.
- Add chicken and onions to the pan: After the vegetables have roasted for 15 minutes, carefully remove the pan again, stir the vegetables gently, and create space on the pan for the chicken breasts and sliced red onion. Nestle the chicken and onions among the vegetables.
- Finish baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, approximately 10 to 15 more minutes. Check the chicken at 10 minutes and continue cooking if needed.
- Prepare the Maple-Mustard Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, coconut aminos, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Plate the roasted chicken and vegetables, and serve with the Maple-Mustard Sauce on the side. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Preheating the baking sheet ensures even cooking and helps create a nice roast on vegetables and chicken.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check chicken doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Substitute coconut aminos with low-sodium soy sauce for similar flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled and cooked on two baking sheets if serving more people.
- Leftover sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg