Growing up, my family never really had a go-to weeknight dinner that we could all agree on. My mom was constantly searching for new recipes to try, while my dad stuck to his old standbys. But one night, when I was in middle school, my mom came home from the grocery store with a plan for Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts, and let me tell you, it changed everything.
She’d found the recipe online and was convinced it would be a hit. As soon as that Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts aroma started wafting through the house, we knew she was right. The blend of savory, slightly spicy flavors and the tender chicken paired so perfectly with the roasted Brussels sprouts. From that night on, Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts became our family’s weekly tradition – it was the one meal we could all get excited about.
Why This Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts
There’s just something special about this Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts recipe that makes it an absolute standout. It’s not just the mouthwatering flavors, but the way the chicken stays so juicy and the Brussels sprouts get beautifully caramelized. The secret is in the simple but effective cooking technique – searing the chicken first to lock in moisture, then roasting everything together to let the flavors meld. Trust me, once you make this Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts, it’ll become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The dark meat stays so tender and flavorful, making it the perfect protein for this Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts dish.
– Brussels sprouts: These mini cabbages get wonderfully roasted and caramelized, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
– Chili garlic sauce: This provides the sweet and spicy backbone of the dish, infusing the chicken and veggies with bold flavor.
– Soy sauce: Just a touch of salty, umami goodness to round out the flavors.
– Honey: A small drizzle gives the dish a subtle sweetness to balance the heat.
– Olive oil: For searing the chicken and roasting the Brussels sprouts to crispy perfection.
Step-by-Step Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts Instructions
Preparing Your Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts
This Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts recipe is a total weeknight hero. It comes together in under an hour, with just a few simple steps. You’ll need a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish to get everything cooked up.
1- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning them all over with salt and pepper.
2- Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
3- While the chicken is searing, toss the Brussels sprouts with a bit more olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet.
4- Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and honey, then stir to coat the chicken.
5- Slide the skillet into the oven and roast alongside the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender and caramelized.
6- Remove everything from the oven, plate the Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts recipe is all about getting that perfect sear on the chicken. Don’t be afraid to let it get nice and golden brown – that’s where so much of the flavor comes from. Also, be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the Brussels sprouts. You want them to have plenty of room to get crispy. And if the sprouts need a few extra minutes, just keep them in the oven while the chicken rests. Easy peasy!
Serving and Storing Your Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts
Perfect Pairings for Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts
This Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts dish is such a crowd-pleaser, it’s perfect for everything from weeknight family dinners to casual gatherings with friends. I love serving it alongside a fresh salad or some steamed rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. And if you really want to take it to the next level, a crisp, dry white wine or an ice-cold beer makes an amazing companion.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store the chicken and veggies together in an airtight container. To reheat, you can simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. The dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – just let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
And if you want to get a head start, you can absolutely prep the components in advance. The chicken can be seasoned and seared a day or two ahead of time, and the Brussels sprouts can be trimmed and tossed with oil, salt, and pepper up to 3 days in advance. Then on the day you want to serve it, just assemble and roast everything together.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts
Creative Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts Variations
While the classic Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts is truly a standout, there are so many ways you can put your own spin on it. For a seasonal twist, try swapping in roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for the Brussels sprouts. You could also experiment with different protein options, like shrimp or tofu, for a seafood or vegetarian version. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try adding some fresh pineapple or diced mango for a tropical flair.
Making Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts Diet-Friendly
This Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts recipe is pretty darn healthy as-is, but there are a few easy swaps you can make to adapt it for specific dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. To make it low-carb, skip the honey and serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. And for a vegan take, replace the chicken with extra-firm tofu or chickpeas, and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of the honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts recipe. Just be sure not to overcook them, as chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs.
Q: How long should I cook the Brussels sprouts?
A: The Brussels sprouts will likely need 20-25 minutes in the oven at 400°F to get tender and caramelized. Keep an eye on them and toss halfway through for even cooking.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prep components of the Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts in advance. The chicken can be seared 1-2 days ahead, and the Brussels sprouts can be trimmed and tossed with oil up to 3 days beforehand. Then on the day you want to serve it, just assemble and roast everything together.
Q: How spicy is the Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts?
A: The level of heat in this dish really depends on the brand of chili garlic sauce you use. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste, then add more if you want an extra kick. You can always balance the spice with a little extra honey.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot or air fryer?
A: While the oven method is the classic way to prepare this Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts, you can definitely adapt it for other cooking appliances. For the Instant Pot, sear the chicken first, then pressure cook everything together. And in the air fryer, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the chicken separately, then toss it all together at the end.
Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
Description
Discover the secret to perfectly cooked Sweet Chili Chicken and Brussels Sprouts in just 20 minutes. This classic dish is a family favorite that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. – In a large bowl, toss the chicken, brussels sprouts, olive oil, sweet chili sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. – Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
4. – Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the brussels sprouts are tender.
5. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispy brussels sprouts, roast them for an additional 5 minutes. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I truly can’t say enough good things about this Sweet Chili Chicken And Brussels Sprouts recipe. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, with that irresistible sweet and spicy glaze coating the juicy chicken and caramelized veggies. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to throw together, making it an ideal weeknight go-to. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does! Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to help. Enjoy!