Oh my goodness, let me tell you about *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken*! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made it on a busy weeknight. I was rushing home from work, craving something comforting yet healthy, and I stumbled upon this recipe. The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze perfectly complements the savory chicken and those little Brussels sprouts. It’s so easy to whip up—just a mix, coat, and bake! In about 45 minutes, you’ve got a delicious, colorful meal that feels fancy but is totally weeknight-friendly. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking! It’s now a staple in my home, and I just know you’ll love it too!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved for even cooking
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, this is where the magic happens!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for that rich flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, because garlic makes everything better
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t forget to season!
How to Prepare *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken*
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want that heat ready to work its magic!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s all blended together. Mmm, the smell already is so inviting!
- Now, add your chicken pieces and the halved Brussels sprouts to the bowl. Toss everything together until each piece is beautifully coated in that luscious balsamic mixture. This is the moment to really get in there!
- Next, spread the chicken and Brussels sprouts evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded—this helps them roast nicely!
- Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized. Oh wow, just wait until you smell it!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: From prep to plate in just 45 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavor: The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze elevates the savory chicken and Brussels sprouts.
- Healthy choice: It’s a nutritious meal with lean protein and lots of veggies, keeping your diet on track.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is great for leftovers, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal throughout the week.
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner—who doesn’t love that?
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or swap in other veggies to keep things fresh and exciting!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken* turns out perfect! Here are my top tips to help you nail this dish:
- Check the chicken thickness: If your chicken pieces are thicker than about an inch, you might need to increase the cooking time a bit. Just use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). No one wants undercooked chicken!
- Sweeten up the glaze: If you like a sweeter glaze, feel free to drizzle in a tablespoon or two of honey into the balsamic mixture. It adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and sprouts.
- Don’t overcrowd: When placing the chicken and Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet, give them some space! Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, and we want that beautiful caramelization!
- Mix it up: Want to elevate flavors? Try adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking. They’ll infuse the dish with a delightful aroma and taste.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite so much more flavorful!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering meal that’ll impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to put your own spin on *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken*! Here are some tasty ideas:
- Veggie Medley: Swap in other veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so everything cooks evenly!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the balsamic mixture. This will give your dish an aromatic touch that’s simply irresistible.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the balsamic glaze. It adds a nice contrast to the sweetness!
- Mustard Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with the balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans about halfway through baking for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the glaze.
- Fruit Fusion: For a unique twist, add sliced apples or pears to the mix. The fruit will caramelize and add a delightful sweetness to the dish!
Experimenting is part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Each variation will bring a new flavor profile to the table, making your *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken* experience even more exciting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up this delicious *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken* and have some leftovers? Don’t worry, they’ll keep well for you to enjoy later! Here’s how to store and reheat your tasty dish without losing any of that amazing flavor or texture:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before storing. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep everything fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from sneaking in. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Trust me, it’s just as good reheated!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for a later date, you can freeze the leftovers! Just make sure to pack them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and try to squeeze out as much air as possible. They should stay good for about 2-3 months. Just label them with the date so you know when it was made!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them in a couple of ways. For the best results, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the texture of the chicken and Brussels sprouts. If you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave—just use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until everything is warmed up.
And voilà! You’ve got delicious leftovers that are just as flavorful as the first day. Enjoy every bite of your *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken*!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the goodness packed into this *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken*! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional data for each serving. Keep in mind these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a great idea:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 40g
With such a healthy balance of protein and veggies, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body. Enjoy guilt-free, delicious meals with every bite of your *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken*!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a little longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear without any pink.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional veggies like carrots, zucchini, or even bell peppers. Just make sure to cut them to similar sizes for even cooking!
What should I serve with *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken*?
This dish is pretty versatile! It pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa, rice, or even a fresh salad. It’s a complete meal on its own, but a little extra on the side never hurts!
Your Turn to Try
Now it’s your turn! I can’t wait for you to try making this *Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken* at home. Trust me, once you experience that sweet and tangy glaze paired with tender chicken and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, you’ll be hooked! It’s such an easy dish to whip up, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your household just like it is in mine.
After you’ve made it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you add any of your own special twists? What did your family think? Feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any tips you discovered along the way. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps other home cooks looking to dive into this delicious recipe. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Learn more about the health benefits of Brussels sprouts and why they are a great addition to your meals!
Print
Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory dish featuring chicken and Brussels sprouts in a balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and Brussels sprouts to the bowl and coat them in the mixture.
- Place chicken and Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- For a sweeter glaze, add honey to the balsamic mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Balsamic Glazed Brussels & Chicken, chicken recipe, Brussels sprouts