If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love how this Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe turns out—it’s got those gorgeous autumn vibes with carrots and Brussels sprouts roasting alongside tender chicken, all kissed with a sweet and tangy maple-mustard sauce that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Stick with me, and I’ll show you everything you need to nail this dinner that’s both simple and spectacular.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Fuss Sheet Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks together on one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweet maple and mustard meld beautifully with warm spices and savory roasted veggies.
- Perfectly Roasted Veggies: Roasting the carrots and Brussels sprouts ahead of the chicken ensures they come out tender with a lovely caramelized edge.
- Family-Friendly and Versatile: My kids love it, and you can easily swap veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like a cozy fall day on a plate. The spices lend warmth to the chicken, while the maple-mustard sauce adds the perfect touch of sweet and tang. When shopping, look for firm, fresh veggies and quality maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Chicken breasts or cutlets: I prefer boneless, skinless for easy cooking and slicing, but you can use bone-in if you want — just adjust cooking times.
- Carrots: Choose firm, brightly colored carrots; cutting them on the diagonal gives a nicer surface area for roasting.
- Brussels sprouts: Pick small to medium-sized for even cooking and trim the ends so they roast nicely.
- Red onion: Adds a sweet, slightly sharp note that balances the rich sauce well.
- Avocado or olive oil: I love avocado oil here for its high smoke point, but olive oil works beautifully too.
- Brown sugar: This adds a subtle caramel sweetness and helps the chicken develop color.
- Ground cumin, cinnamon, and ginger: Warm spices that bring cozy depth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other flavor.
- Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup: The trio that makes the sauce creamy, tangy, and sweet—trust me, it’s magic.
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce: Adds an umami boost to the sauce; coconut aminos keep it gluten-free.
- Dried oregano and onion powder: Small additions that add complexity to the sauce.
Variations
I love experimenting with this recipe depending on the season and who I’m feeding. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or tweak the sauce to suit your taste.
- Vegetable swaps: I’ve switched out Brussels sprouts for green beans or sweet potatoes, and it’s just as delicious.
- Spice blends: If you like a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the rub—I do this when I’m feeling adventurous.
- Dietary tweaks: Use vegan mayo and tamari for a plant-based version—you’ll still get that lovely sauce texture and flavor.
How to Make Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Sheet Pan and Prep the Veggies
First things first, place a large rimmed baking sheet in your oven and preheat to 450°F. This trick makes the veggies sizzle and caramelize as soon as they hit the pan—trust me, it’s the secret to getting them perfectly roasted. While the oven warms, toss your carrots and Brussels sprouts with a tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper. Set them aside for now—you’ll roast them first before adding the chicken.
Step 2: Roast Vegetables and Prepare the Chicken Rub
When the oven is ready, carefully take out the hot pan using an oven mitt, spray it with nonstick spray, then spread your carrots and Brussels sprouts evenly. Pop the pan back in and roast for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the flavorful rub. This warming mix is what gives the chicken that irresistible fall flair.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with the remaining teaspoon of oil, then generously coat them with your spice mix. Don’t be shy here—the seasoning really brings the chicken to life.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Red Onion, Then Roast Everything Together
Pull the pan out again after 15 minutes of veggie roasting, give the carrots and Brussels sprouts a little stir, and create some spaces for the chicken and the red onion slices. Nestle everything in one layer for even cooking, then slide it back into the oven. Roast for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. I like to check at the 10-minute mark so I don’t overcook and keep the chicken juicy.
Step 5: Whip Up the Maple-Mustard Sauce
While the chicken roasts, combine mayonnaise, mustard, maple syrup, coconut aminos, oregano, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple sauce comes together in a snap and adds that perfect sweet-tangy finish I keep coming back for. Taste it and tweak seasoning if it needs a little extra oomph.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender with caramelized edges, plate it all up and generously drizzle or dollop the maple-mustard sauce on top. Leftover sauce? Keep it in the fridge—it’s great cold or at room temp for extra servings.
Pro Tips for Making Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Hot Pan Trick: Preheating your baking sheet makes a big difference—it helps to sear the veggies and chicken, locking in flavor and texture.
- Check Chicken Early: I’ve learned checking the internal temperature right at 10 minutes prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken succulent.
- Spice Up the Rub: Feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a little kick; it’s an easy way to mix things up.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after roasting to lock in juices and improve tenderness—it really elevates the final bite.
How to Serve Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top—the greenery brightens the plate and adds fresh herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the rich maple-mustard sauce. Sometimes, a light drizzle of extra maple syrup on the sauce amps up the sweetness for the maple lovers in my family.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple wild rice pilaf or creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh, tangy crunch that balances all those warm spices perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve laid the chicken and veggies over a bed of herbed couscous and served it family-style right on the warm sheet pan. It makes the table look rustic and inviting without any extra dishes. You can also plate the chicken sliced on top of the roasted veggies and drizzle the sauce in a pretty zigzag pattern for a bit of wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The veggies tend to soften a bit more overnight, but reheating with a quick high-heat blast in a skillet or oven helps bring back some crispness.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I separate the chicken and veggies into freezer containers and freeze the sauce separately in a small jar. To thaw, move everything to the fridge overnight, then reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
I find reheating leftover Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes keeps the chicken juicy and refreshes the roasted veggies. If you’re in a hurry, a quick pan sauté works too—just be careful not to overcook the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great with this recipe. They’re a bit fattier and stay juicy even if you slightly overcook them. Just keep an eye on cooking time—it might need a few extra minutes compared to breasts.
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What can I substitute for coconut aminos in the sauce?
If you don’t have coconut aminos, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari are excellent alternatives. They bring the same umami richness that complements the maple and mustard flavors beautifully.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You sure can! Prep the veggies ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to roast. For the chicken, you can rub the spice mix on it the night before for deeper flavor and roast everything the next day.
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How do I ensure the veggies don’t get soggy?
Pre-roasting the carrots and Brussels sprouts on the hot pan before adding the chicken helps reduce moisture and gives them a chance to caramelize and crisp up. Avoid overcrowding the pan, too—give everything room to roast evenly.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to keep the maple-mustard sauce gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting but fuss-free. It’s that rare recipe that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a busy weeknight, and the flavors strike that perfect balance of cozy and vibrant. I really hope you try it and love it as much as my family does—because nothing beats gathering around the table with good food and good company.
PrintHarvest Sheet Pan Chicken with Maple-Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken recipe features juicy, spiced chicken breasts roasted alongside perfectly caramelized carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red onions. Finished with a creamy, tangy maple-mustard sauce, this one-pan meal is both hearty and flavorful, making it an easy and wholesome dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Sheet Pan Chicken Breasts:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets (1 to 1½ lbs), patted dry
- 12 oz carrots (3-4 large), cut on the diagonal into 2-inch pieces
- ½ lb Brussels sprouts, cut in half, about 2 – 2 1/2 cups (large ones cut into quarters)
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ 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)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of fine salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat the oven to 450℉ with the pan inside. Preheating the baking sheet helps ingredients cook evenly and achieve better caramelization.
- Toss Vegetables with Oil and Seasoning: While the oven preheats, place the carrots and Brussels sprouts in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Roast Carrots and Brussels Sprouts: Use oven mitts to carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven, then spray it with cooking spray. Spread the carrots and Brussels sprouts in an even layer on the hot baking sheet. Return it to the oven and roast for 15 minutes.
- Make the Spice Rub: While the vegetables roast, combine brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the seasoning rub.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil and evenly sprinkle the seasoning rub over all sides.
- Add Chicken and Onions to Baking Sheet: After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven and stir the vegetables. Create spaces on the pan and nestle the seasoned chicken breasts among the vegetables. Scatter the sliced red onion over the pan.
- Roast Again Until Chicken is Cooked: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, checking at 10 minutes and continuing to cook if necessary.
- Prepare Maple-Mustard Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, coconut aminos, oregano, and onion powder in a small bowl. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the roasted chicken and vegetables, and serve with the maple-mustard sauce. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Preheating the baking sheet helps the vegetables and chicken develop better caramelization and cook evenly.
- Use an instant read thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165℉ for best results.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
- Coconut aminos provide a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce; use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg