Healthy Chicken With Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Highlighted under: Light & Wholesome
I love making this Healthy Chicken With Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, making it a complete dish that feels indulgent yet nutritious. The best part? It’s a hassle-free recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes! I often whip this up after a long day, and the fresh herbs add a delightful zing that elevates the entire dish, ensuring every bite is a burst of freshness.
When I first tried roasting Brussels sprouts, I was amazed at their transformation from bitter to sweet and nutty. Combining them with succulent chicken breasts creates a beautifully balanced meal. The trick? Tossing the sprouts in olive oil and seasoning them well ensures that they get perfectly crispy while cooking alongside the chicken.
I've found that marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and herbs not only adds depth of flavor but keeps it tender and moist during cooking. It’s this combination that keeps me coming back for more; comforting yet light and incredibly tasty!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Balanced flavors between succulent chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts
- Prepared in just one pan for easy cleanup
- Packed with nutrients yet satisfying and hearty
Choosing the Right Chicken
When selecting chicken breasts for this dish, look for those that are plump and have an even color, preferably organic or free-range for the best flavor and texture. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts work best as they cook quickly and evenly, absorbing the marinade beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, consider using chicken thighs instead, as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
To ensure even cooking, try to choose chicken breasts of similar size. If some are significantly thicker, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This technique not only helps with uniform cooking but also allows for better flavor absorption from the marinade.
Perfectly Roasting Brussels Sprouts
The key to achieving perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts is in the preparation. After halving them, remove any yellow or limp outer leaves for a cleaner finish. Toss with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper; these flavors enhance the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts. For an additional layer of flavor, consider adding balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese halfway through roasting.
When arranging Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet, make sure they are spread out in a single layer with the cut sides facing down. This allows for optimal caramelization and browning. Keep an eye on them during roasting; you're looking for that golden brown color and crispy, charred edges, which will take about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
In a separate bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the marinated chicken and Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast
Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are golden brown.
Serve
Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
This Healthy Chicken With Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a great candidate for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Marinading not only saves time but enhances the flavor, ensuring your chicken is tender and juicy when it's time to cook.
You can also chop the Brussels sprouts and store them in the fridge a day ahead. Keep them in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out. This hands-off approach means dinner can come together even quicker on busy weekdays.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
To elevate your dinner experience, serve the chicken and Brussels sprouts with a light side salad of mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The bright acidity will complement the rich flavors of the chicken and roasted Brussels sprouts. For extra heartiness, consider adding quinoa or brown rice, which will soak up the delicious juices from the chicken.
If you're in the mood for a twist, feel free to add vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes to your baking sheet. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes as the Brussels sprouts for even cooking. This can add not only flavor but also a visual pop to the dish!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
→ What can I substitute for chicken breasts?
You can use chicken thighs or turkey cutlets as alternatives.
→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots or sweet potatoes work well and can be roasted alongside for a complete meal.
Healthy Chicken With Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I love making this Healthy Chicken With Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, making it a complete dish that feels indulgent yet nutritious. The best part? It’s a hassle-free recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes! I often whip this up after a long day, and the fresh herbs add a delightful zing that elevates the entire dish, ensuring every bite is a burst of freshness.
Created by: Rowena Clarke
Recipe Type: Light & Wholesome
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Place the marinated chicken and Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 28g