This Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Roasted Brussels Sprouts combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet-tangy balsamic reduction. The Brussels sprouts roast to perfection alongside the chicken, creating a delicious one-pan meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful. The caramelized balsamic glaze adds depth to the dish while keeping the chicken juicy and succulent. Perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for company!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the oven alongside the Brussels sprouts.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are crispy and caramelized.
- Serve the chicken drizzled with extra balsamic glaze and the roasted Brussels sprouts on the side.
Variations
- Maple-Balsamic Glazed Chicken: Substitute the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the balsamic vinegar.
- Lemon-Herb Variation: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to the chicken seasoning for a brighter, more aromatic flavor profile.
- Spicy Honey-Balsamic: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the honey.
Cooking Notes
- For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, make sure they’re completely dry before tossing with oil and ensure they’re placed cut-side down on the baking sheet.
- The balsamic glaze will continue to thicken as it cools, so remove it from heat when it’s slightly thinner than your desired final consistency.
- For more even cooking, bring chicken thighs to room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing them in the pan.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious balsamic glaze.
- Pair with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice for a complete and balanced meal.
- For a special occasion, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower for additional color and nutrition.
Tips
- Make a double batch of the balsamic glaze and store the extra in the refrigerator for up to two weeks – it makes an excellent dressing for salads or a glaze for roasted vegetables.
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of the balsamic mixture for 2-4 hours before cooking.
- To save time, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and balsamic glaze the day before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 380mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes to prevent them from drying out. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- How do I know when the balsamic glaze is ready? The glaze should coat the back of a spoon and be reduced by about half its original volume. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the balsamic glaze and trim the Brussels sprouts a day ahead. The complete dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- What if my Brussels sprouts aren’t getting crispy? Make sure they’re dry before roasting and aren’t overcrowded on the baking sheet. You can also increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The tender chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts make for a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions. The versatile balsamic glaze can be customized to your taste preferences, making this recipe one you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy this delicious, wholesome dish that brings gourmet flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort!
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Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze and crispy roasted Brussels sprouts. This dish offers a beautiful balance of flavors with minimal preparation time, making it ideal for busy days when you want something impressive without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Pour the balsamic glaze over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the oven alongside the Brussels sprouts.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are crispy and caramelized.
- Serve the chicken drizzled with extra balsamic glaze and the roasted Brussels sprouts on the side.
Notes
For best results, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear. The balsamic glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. For a more robust flavor, you can add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the balsamic reduction while it simmers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with 1/4 of brussels sprouts
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: balsamic chicken, roasted brussels sprouts, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meal, healthy dinner, sheet pan meal, gluten-free dinner