Honey-Garlic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet
If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious weeknight dinner, this Honey-Garlic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet is the answer. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breast pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey-garlic sauce, perfectly complemented by caramelized Brussels sprouts. It’s an effortless one-pan meal that packs a punch of flavor and requires minimal cleanup — exactly what busy cooks need during hectic evenings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy your greens in a delicious new way!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Easy one-pan meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, cutting down on dishes and prep time.
- Balanced flavors: The honey’s sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory soy sauce and aromatic garlic and ginger.
- Nutritious and filling: Lean chicken breast and fiber-rich Brussels sprouts make for a wholesome dinner.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
- Quick to make: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Garnish options: Sesame seeds and green onions add a lovely crunch and freshness.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Equipment Breakdown
- Large skillet or frying pan: A non-stick or cast iron skillet works best for even cooking.
- Sharp knife: For cutting the chicken and halving the Brussels sprouts.
- Cutting board: To prep your veggies and chicken safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: To stir and toss ingredients in the skillet.
- Small mixing bowl: To combine the honey-garlic sauce.
Honey-Garlic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First, rinse and halve the Brussels sprouts, trimming off any tough ends. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. Mince the garlic and ginger finely — these aromatics will give the sauce its vibrant flavor.
Step 2: Make the Honey-Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This simple sauce is the star of the dish, delivering that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.
Step 3: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook for about 5-7 minutes without stirring. This allows them to caramelize beautifully. Once golden brown, stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender. Remove the Brussels sprouts from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the chicken. Pour the honey-garlic sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the chicken and Brussels sprouts.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the skillet with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve immediately on its own or over rice or noodles. For inspiration, you might want to check out Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Orzo for a similar sweet and savory profile with a comforting grain base.
How to Make It Lighter
- Use a light drizzle of olive oil or a non-stick spray to reduce added fats.
- Swap honey with a natural, low-calorie sweetener if you prefer less sugar.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies instead of traditional grains.
- Increase the Brussels sprouts quantity to bulk up the veggie content.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake.
Mistakes That Ruin Honey-Garlic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet
- Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too many ingredients at once can steam the Brussels sprouts instead of caramelizing them.
- Not caramelizing the Brussels sprouts: Skipping the step of cooking them cut-side down results in bland, underwhelming flavor.
- Using too high heat for the sauce: The honey can burn quickly, so simmer gently once you add the sauce.
- Undercooking the chicken: Make sure your chicken is cooked through to avoid any raw spots.
- Forgetting to season: Salt and pepper are essential to bring out the flavors of this dish.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prep the Brussels sprouts ahead of time by halving and washing them, then refrigerating in an airtight container for up to two days. The chicken can be cut in advance and stored similarly. The honey-garlic sauce can be whisked and kept in the fridge for up to a week, making dinner assembly even faster.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain the sauce’s texture and flavor. This skillet meal also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breast and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. For a different take, try the Smoky Paprika Chicken Rotini Skillet featuring chicken thighs in a flavorful sauce.
What can I serve with this skillet dish?
This Honey-Garlic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies work beautifully. If you enjoy pasta, check out the Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Spaghetti for another quick and tasty chicken dinner idea.
Is it okay to substitute Brussels sprouts with another vegetable?
Yes, you can swap Brussels sprouts with broccoli florets, green beans, or snap peas if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable’s density and moisture content.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Honey can burn if cooked on high heat for too long. Once you add the sauce to the skillet, lower the heat to medium or medium-low and let it simmer gently until it thickens. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
Don’t Miss These
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Orzo – A comforting, sweet-savory dish perfect for cozy nights.
- Smoky Paprika Chicken Rotini Skillet – Packed with smoky spice and tender chicken pieces.
- Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Spaghetti – A zesty, fresh pasta dish loaded with herbs and garlic.
Wrap-Up
This Honey-Garlic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet is a brilliant blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that come together in one pan for an easy and satisfying meal. The caramelized Brussels sprouts add a lovely texture and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and sticky honey-garlic glaze. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners. Keep a few simple ingredients on hand, and you’ll have a wholesome, delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes. Enjoy!
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Honey-Garlic Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse and halve the Brussels sprouts, trimming off any tough ends. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger finely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook 5-7 minutes without stirring until caramelized. Stir and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Return Brussels sprouts to skillet with chicken. Pour honey-garlic sauce over and toss to coat. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately, alone or over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without sacrificing flavor.
- For a lighter version, use a non-stick spray instead of olive oil and substitute honey with a natural low-calorie sweetener.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.
