Some nights, cooking dinner feels too hard. After a long day, I often think about ordering takeout. But one evening, I decided to try a new recipe.
I found a recipe for balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts with chicken. It looked easy and I had all the ingredients. I marinated the chicken and prepped the Brussels sprouts quickly.
As the dish baked, my home filled with yummy smells. It turned my kitchen into a cozy place. In 30-40 minutes, I had a healthy meal that made me happy. If you want a quick and healthy meal, try this recipe!
Introduction to Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Chicken
Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts with chicken is a tasty mix. It makes any meal better. It’s also quick and easy, perfect for busy days.
This recipe is a great break from usual dinners. It has savory and sweet flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make with just seven ingredients.
It’s not only tasty but also healthy. You can eat it with other dishes or on its own. Try it and see if it becomes a favorite in your home.
Why Choose Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts?
Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are sweet and tangy. They make any meal better. This dish is perfect for an easy chicken dinner.
It only needs four ingredients: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, kosher salt, and balsamic reduction. This recipe is simple yet tasty.
It takes about ten minutes to prepare. Then, it cooks for 15 to 18 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it quick for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
Fresh Brussels sprouts are available all year. They stay tender but firm when roasted. This is better than frozen sprouts, which can get mushy.
The balsamic glaze makes the dish even better. It adds flavor to the sprouts and chicken. Balsamic reduction is also affordable, costing the same as balsamic vinegar.
Choosing sprouts of the same size is key for even cooking. This shows the importance of details in simple recipes.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are great for your health. They are full of nutrients and can be used in many ways. They are good with chicken too.
Nutritional Value of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and low in calories. A half-cup cooked has only 28 calories. They are perfect for keeping your weight healthy.
| Nutrient | Amount (per ½ cup cooked) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 28 |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Vitamin C | 48 mg |
| Potassium | 247 mg |
| Folate | 46.5 mcg |
Brussels sprouts are good for your heart and digestion. Eating them often can lower the risk of serious diseases. They can help prevent stomach cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Health Benefits of Chicken
Chicken is a lean protein that’s good for you. It has low fat and lots of nutrients. It’s full of B vitamins, iron, and selenium, which help your immune system.
Chicken with Brussels sprouts and grains gives you about 444 calories. It has 35 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. This helps your muscles grow and keeps you healthy. Chicken makes your meals tasty and nutritious.
Key Ingredients for Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Chicken
Choosing the right ingredients is key for a tasty balsamic glazed brussels sprouts with chicken dish. The right proteins and veggies make the dish better. Let’s explore the best options for a delicious meal.
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts
Chicken thighs are juicier and taste better than breasts. They keep moisture in, making the dish more flavorful. Bone-in, skin-on thighs are even better, adding more taste.
Chicken breasts are leaner and cook fast. They’re great for quick meals. But, they might not be as juicy as thighs.
Choosing the Right Vegetables
Brussels sprouts are the main attraction. They get sweet and caramelized in the oven. This makes them perfect with chicken.
Try adding broccoli or cauliflower for more variety. They bring different tastes and textures. This makes the meal more interesting and healthy.
| Ingredient | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | Poultry | Juicy, flavorful, skin-on option enhances taste |
| Chicken Breasts | Poultry | Lean, quick-cooking, ideal for lighter meals |
| Brussels Sprouts | Vegetable | Sweet flavor when roasted, good source of vitamins |
| Broccoli | Vegetable | Crisp texture, good alternative to brussels sprouts |
| Cauliflower | Vegetable | Mild flavor, versatile and pairs well with chicken |
Each ingredient adds to the dish’s taste and feel. Your choice of chicken and veggies can make the meal delicious every time.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Chicken
Making a tasty balsamic chicken recipe is easy. I’ll show you how to make the marinade, marinate the chicken, prep the veggies, and bake it all. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Preparing the Marinade
First, mix together 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth. This glaze will make the chicken taste amazing.
Marinating the Chicken
Put your chicken thighs in a bag or dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure they’re covered. Marinate for 1 to 2 hours, or 4 hours or overnight for more flavor. Even 15 to 20 minutes is good if you’re in a hurry. Marinating makes the chicken juicy and tender.
Preparing the Vegetables
Now, get your Brussels sprouts and veggies ready. Toss 1 pound of halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can add carrots or broccoli too. This makes dinner prep quick and easy.
Baking and Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the chicken and veggies on a sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush with more balsamic glaze after 15 minutes. It will take about 30-40 minutes to cook everything perfectly.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Trying new ways to cook Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Chicken is exciting. The skillet method is great for a quick dinner on busy nights. It lets me cook chicken and sprouts in one pan, making it easy to clean up and keeping the flavor rich.
Skillet Method for Busy Nights
The skillet method is perfect when I’m short on time. Instead of baking, I cook chicken and veggies on the stovetop. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring it’s crispy and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the Brussels sprouts. Toss them in olive oil along with salt and pepper.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet once the chicken is nearly done. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the chicken and sprouts, stirring to combine and heat through for a few minutes.
This skillet method saves time and keeps the meal tasty. It’s ready in 25-30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner.
Tips for Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For delicious roasted Brussels sprouts, follow these simple tips. First, make sure to space the sprouts well on the baking sheet. Too many sprouts can make them steam instead of crisp up.
Roasting at high heat is key. I set my oven to about 425°F. This helps the sprouts get sweet and golden-brown in about 20 minutes.
Flipping the sprouts halfway through is important. It makes sure they cook evenly. A drizzle of olive oil before roasting adds crispiness and flavor. I also like to add salt, pepper, and sometimes balsamic vinegar for extra taste.
Don’t forget about freshness. Buy Brussels sprouts in late fall to early winter for the best flavor.
| Tips | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Space Sprouts | Prevents steaming and ensures crispiness. |
| Roast at High Heat | Caramelizes the sprouts for enhanced sweetness. |
| Flip Halfway | Ensures even cooking and browning. |
| Use Fresh Sprouts | Peak season sprouts have the best flavor. |
How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Chicken
Presenting balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts with chicken can be fun. The right serving suggestions make the dish even better. It’s a mix of rich flavors and bright colors, making every bite special.
Here are some creative ways to serve chicken and veggies. These ideas turn your meal into a full feast.
Pairing Suggestions with Sides
This dish goes well with many sides. Here are some tasty options:
- Mashed Cauliflower: This creamy side is perfect with the chicken and veggies.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and arugula is refreshing. It’s a nice contrast to the warm dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice with herbs is comforting. It soaks up the balsamic glaze well.
- Steamed Green Beans: Green beans add color and healthiness. They’re a great match for chicken and veggies.
- Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is comforting. It adds a nice crunch to the dish.
Choosing any of these sides can make your meal special. Feel free to try different combinations. This way, you can make the dish your own.
Storing Leftovers of Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Chicken
When I enjoy my balsamic chicken recipe, I store leftovers well. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Any leftovers go in airtight containers. This way, I can enjoy the Brussels sprouts and chicken for up to four days in the fridge.
If I have too much, I freeze it. Cooked Brussels sprouts can stay frozen for six months. I portion it out before freezing for easy reheating.
To reheat, the oven is best. I preheat to 350°F and reheat for 10 to 12 minutes. These tips help my balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts with chicken stay delicious!
