Savor the Flavor: Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe

In the busy world we live in, finding quick and healthy meal options can be a real challenge. But fear not, the Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet is here to save the day! This delectable one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce for a flavor explosion that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Breakdown

The key ingredients in this Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet recipe are:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

The star of the show is the delectable Honey Garlic Sauce, made with:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

This combination of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors creates a truly irresistible dish. The chicken provides a excellent source of protein, while the Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. And let’s not forget the healthy fats from the olive oil!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bring this Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet to life? Let’s get cooking!

1. Season Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Cook Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts, cut-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes without stirring to get a nice caramelized char. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender. Remove the Brussels sprouts and set them aside with the chicken.
4. Make Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the honey, soy sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is well combined.
5. Thicken Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
6. Combine Everything: Return the chicken and Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Toss everything together in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated and heated through.
7. Serve: Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet hot over a bed of rice or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfection with your Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet:

• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the chicken to ensure even browning.
• Look for fresh, vibrant Brussels sprouts with tightly closed leaves for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
• For a creamier sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
• Consider roasting the Brussels sprouts in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a more caramelized texture.

Variations on the Recipe

The versatility of this Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet recipe allows for endless possibilities. Try these delicious variations:

• Honey Garlic Chicken with Broccoli: Swap the Brussels sprouts for broccoli florets for a different veggie twist.
• Honey Garlic Tofu and Brussels Sprouts: Make it a vegetarian dish by using cubed tofu instead of chicken.
• Honey Garlic Shrimp with Mixed Vegetables: Replace the chicken with peeled and deveined shrimp.
• Honey Garlic Chicken with Roasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped cashews, almonds, or pecans on top for a delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions

The Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or even your favorite pasta. For a complete meal, consider a fresh Asian-inspired slaw or a simple green salad.

This dish also makes an excellent meal-prep option. Simply portion it out and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat and savor the delicious flavors all over again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my Brussels sprouts are too bitter?

If your Brussels sprouts taste bitter, there are a few ways to counteract this. First, try trimming them properly; removing any yellowed or overly damaged outer leaves can improve flavor. Additionally, cooking them until they are well caramelized can enhance their sweetness and reduce bitterness. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar during cooking to balance the flavors. Lastly, serving them with a sweet sauce, like the honey garlic sauce in this recipe, can help mask any bitterness.

How can I adjust the cooking time if I’m using chicken thighs instead of breasts?

If you’re using chicken thighs instead of breasts, you’ll want to adjust the cooking time slightly. Chicken thighs typically require a longer cooking time due to their slightly higher fat content. After browning the thighs, allow them to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep in mind that thighs are more forgiving than breasts regarding overcooking, so they can remain juicy even if cooked a bit longer.

Can I prepare the Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet ahead of time! To do this, you can marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor. Additionally, you can pre-cut the Brussels sprouts and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the recipe steps, adjusting the cooking time slightly if the chicken is coming straight from the fridge. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

What are some ways to make this dish more filling without adding too many calories?

To make the Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet more filling while keeping it healthy, consider adding ingredients like cooked quinoa or brown rice to the dish. These whole grains provide fiber and protein, helping you feel satisfied. You can also incorporate more vegetables, such as bell peppers or snap peas, to bulk up the meal without significantly increasing the calorie count. Additionally, adding legumes like chickpeas can enhance the nutritional profile and add a hearty texture.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
• Crispy Maple Glazed Carrots and Brussels Sprouts
• Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Conclusion

The Honey Garlic Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet is a true culinary gem – a perfectly balanced, one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. With its tender chicken, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and irresistible honey garlic sauce, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the sweet, savory, and sticky deliciousness of this incredible skillet meal!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

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