This Blackened Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan meal that delivers a powerful punch of flavor and nutrition in under 30 minutes. The dish centers around juicy chicken breast pieces, coated in a robust, smoky blackening seasoning and seared to perfection, creating a beautifully caramelized crust that locks in moisture. Paired with tender-crisp Brussels sprouts halved and cooked cut-side-down until their edges are deliciously charred and their natural sweetness is enhanced, this combination is a textural and flavorful masterpiece. The entire meal is brought together in a simple yet impactful pan sauce, built from the fond—those flavorful browned bits left in the skillet—which melds the spices, garlic, and a touch of heat into a glossy, buttery glaze that clings to every component.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its efficiency and depth of flavor. By using a single skillet, you not only minimize cleanup but also build layers of taste, where each ingredient contributes to the final sauce. The blackening seasoning, a harmonious blend of paprika, chili powder, and aromatic herbs, does double duty, first on the chicken and then as a seasoning for the sprouts, ensuring every element is infused with its smoky warmth. The quick pan sauce, deglazed with chicken broth and finished with butter, is the final touch that elevates the dish from simple to spectacular, tying the chicken and sprouts together in a cohesive and restaurant-quality meal. It’s a perfect, healthy option for a busy weeknight that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything from the chicken to the sprouts and sauce comes together in a single skillet, making for easy cooking and even easier cleanup.
- Bold, Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The homemade blackening spice blend and quick pan sauce create a depth of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavor that feels gourmet.
- Quick and Healthy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, making it a nutritious and balanced meal.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: Enjoy the contrast between the crispy, blackened chicken, the tender-crisp Brussels sprouts with caramelized edges, and the silky, glossy sauce.
Ingredients:
Blackened Chicken Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Remaining Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or monk fruit sweetener
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Spice Blend and Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or monk fruit), paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, and black pepper until well combined. Place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl and toss them with the spice mixture, reserving exactly 1 teaspoon of the blend for the Brussels sprouts later.
Step 2: Cook the Blackened Chicken
- Heat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring the pieces aren’t crowded. Cook without moving for 3 minutes to achieve a good sear. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until cooked through and golden blackened on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Brussels Sprouts
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Place the Brussels sprouts in the skillet, cut-side down. Sprinkle the reserved 1 teaspoon of seasoning over them. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts are tender-crisp and the cut sides have a deep, crispy brown char. Remove the sprouts from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Create the Pan Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour the chicken broth into the hot skillet to deglaze it, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or monk fruit), and the hot sauce. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces by about half.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Add the butter to the reduced sauce, stirring until it has fully melted and the sauce is glossy. Return the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts to the skillet, tossing everything gently to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in a single layer is crucial for getting a proper sear and blackened crust instead of steaming the meat.
- Cut for Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken pieces and Brussels sprouts are cut to a uniform size so they cook at the same rate.
- Adjust the Heat: The level of spice can be easily controlled by the type of hot sauce you use and the amount of chili powder in the seasoning.
- Cast Iron is Best: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it holds heat exceptionally well, promoting a superior sear and char.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the texture of the chicken and sprouts. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the sprouts soggy.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the Brussels sprouts will become mushy and watery upon thawing.
This Blackened Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Skillet is a testament to how a few simple ingredients and one pan can create a meal that is explosively flavorful, beautifully textured, and wonderfully satisfying. It’s a guaranteed weeknight winner that will make you feel like a master of your kitchen. Enjoy
