One-Pan Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet

Hate doing dishes? This Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet is the one-pan wonder that saves your evening and your sanity. It’s healthy, savory, packed with incredible textures, and requires minimal cleanup—basically everything you want in a weeknight dinner!

Picture this: golden-seared chicken bites with crispy edges, caramelized Brussels sprouts that are actually crispy (not mushy!), and smoky bits of bacon scattered throughout. Every forkful delivers a satisfying combination of savory, slightly sweet, and irresistibly crunchy elements that make you forget you’re eating something incredibly nutritious.

Here’s my promise: this Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet is ready in just 30 minutes and delivers a high-protein, low-carb meal that converts even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics. I’ve served this to people who swore they hated Brussels sprouts, and they’ve asked for the recipe! The bacon fat, caramelization, and savory seasonings completely transform those little cabbages into something crave-worthy.

Why This is the Ultimate Weeknight Win

Let me tell you exactly why this Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

One Pan = One Happy Cook: After a long day, the last thing you want is a sink full of pots and pans. This entire meal comes together in a single skillet—whether you use a cast iron pan, stainless steel skillet, or large non-stick pan. You cook the bacon, sear the chicken, caramelize the Brussels sprouts, and bring everything together, all in one vessel. When dinner’s done, you’ve got exactly one pan to clean (plus a cutting board and knife). That’s the kind of math we can all get behind! The time and energy saved on cleanup means more time relaxing or spending with family.

Nutrient-Dense Without Tasting “Healthy”: Brussels sprouts are legitimate superfoods that pack a serious nutritional punch. They’re loaded with vitamin C (more than oranges per serving!), vitamin K for bone health, fiber for digestion, and powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation. Combined with lean protein from chicken and, yes, even the bacon adds some satisfying fats and flavor, this meal delivers balanced nutrition that actually tastes indulgent. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel good about what you’re eating without any sacrifice in the flavor department.

Flavor Balance That Just Works: Here’s where this Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet gets brilliant: Brussels sprouts can have a slightly bitter edge when not prepared properly, but the smokiness and saltiness of bacon completely balances and even enhances that subtle bitterness, turning it into a complex, sophisticated flavor. Add some caramelization from proper searing, maybe a touch of sweetness from maple syrup or balsamic glaze, and you’ve got this beautiful harmony of flavors—salty, sweet, smoky, savory, and slightly bitter all playing together perfectly. It’s restaurant-quality flavor complexity from simple, accessible ingredients.

Speed and Efficiency for Busy Lives: Everything in this skillet cooks quickly on the stovetop—no waiting for ovens to preheat or long roasting times. The bacon takes about 6-8 minutes, the chicken needs just 8-10 minutes, and the Brussels sprouts caramelize in 6-8 minutes. You’re looking at true 30-minute cooking time, which makes this perfect for those nights when you get home late but still want real food. Plus, since it all happens in one pan with ingredients added at strategic times, you can prep the next ingredient while the previous one cooks. It’s efficiency at its finest!

How to Get Crispy (Not Mushy!) Brussels Sprouts

This is the million-dollar question! Here’s exactly how to achieve perfectly crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts instead of those sad, soggy, bitter ones that give them a bad reputation:

The Cut Makes All the Difference: How you cut your Brussels sprouts dramatically impacts the final texture. You want to trim off the stem end, remove any loose or damaged outer leaves, then cut each sprout in half lengthwise from top to bottom. If you have particularly large sprouts, quarter them instead. The goal is creating a flat surface that can make direct contact with the hot pan. This flat side is where the magic happens—it caramelizes, gets crispy, and develops those sweet, nutty flavors that make Brussels sprouts irresistible. Never leave Brussels sprouts whole for this recipe; they won’t get that essential caramelization and will steam instead.

The Sear: Don’t Touch Them! This is where most people go wrong with Brussels sprouts. Once you place your halved sprouts cut-side down in the hot skillet (in the glorious bacon fat, no less), resist every urge to move them around! Leave them completely undisturbed for a full 3-4 minutes. This allows the natural sugars to caramelize against the hot pan, creating that gorgeous golden-brown crust and sweet, nutty flavor. If you keep stirring or flipping them, you’ll never develop that char—they’ll just steam and stay pale and bland. Think of it like searing a steak; you need sustained contact with the heat. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when you can easily slide a spatula under them and they’ve developed dark caramelized spots.

The Critical “Don’t Overcrowd” Rule: This applies to everything in this Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet, but it’s especially crucial for Brussels sprouts. If you pile too many sprouts into the pan at once, they’ll trap moisture and essentially steam each other instead of getting that crispy sear. They need space—aim for a single layer with some breathing room between pieces. If your pan isn’t large enough to accommodate all your Brussels sprouts in one layer, cook them in two batches. Yes, it takes a few extra minutes, but the textural difference between steamed and properly caramelized sprouts is night and day. Use a 12-inch skillet minimum, or consider using two pans if you’re doubling the recipe.

How to Make Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet

Ready to create this delicious one-pan wonder? Follow these steps for perfectly balanced, restaurant-quality results!

Step 1: Render That Bacon and Capture the Liquid Gold Start by cutting 4-6 strips of bacon into ½-inch pieces. Heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium heat—no need to add oil, the bacon has plenty of fat. Add the bacon pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re crispy and have rendered most of their fat. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but here’s the crucial part: leave all that beautiful bacon fat in the pan! This rendered fat is pure flavor and will be the cooking medium for everything else. If you have significantly more than 2 tablespoons of fat, you can pour off the excess, but keep at least 2 tablespoons for the next steps.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection Cut 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs!) into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika if you have it. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the hot bacon fat in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and golden on all sides. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside—it’s okay if it’s just barely done since it’ll go back in the pan later.

Step 3: Caramelize Those Brussels Sprouts and Onions Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil to the pan if it looks dry (though the bacon fat should be sufficient). Add 1½ pounds of halved Brussels sprouts, placing them cut-side down in the pan—this is critical for that caramelization! Add a sliced onion (yellow or red both work beautifully) around the sprouts. Sprinkle everything with salt and pepper. Now comes the hard part: don’t touch them! Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the cut sides are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Then stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork but still have some bite. They should be a mix of crispy charred bits and tender insides.

Step 4: The Grand Finale—Bringing It All Together Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts and onions. Toss everything together. Now add your flavor finishers: 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup (or honey) and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or glaze. If using minced garlic (2-3 cloves), add it now and toss for just 1 minute so it gets fragrant but doesn’t burn. The sweet-tangy glaze coats everything and creates this incredible flavor harmony. Toss well so every piece gets coated, cook for another minute or two so the sauce reduces and glazes the ingredients, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed. Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy!

Flavor Boosters: The Secret Sauce That Takes It Over the Top

Want to elevate your Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet from great to absolutely unforgettable? Try these flavor-boosting techniques!

The Dijon-Maple Glaze (Pure Magic): This is my absolute favorite finishing touch! Mix together 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The combination sounds simple, but it’s transformative—the mustard adds tangy, slightly spicy depth, the maple brings sweetness, and the vinegar adds brightness. Pour this mixture over everything during step 4 when you’re bringing it all together, and toss well. As it cooks for that final minute or two, it reduces into a glossy glaze that coats every piece of chicken and Brussels sprout. The sweet-savory-tangy combination is absolutely addictive and makes this dish taste like something from an upscale gastropub!

Balsamic Reduction for Sophistication: If you want to go even more elegant, drizzle a tablespoon or two of balsamic glaze (the thick, syrupy kind) over the finished dish. The concentrated sweet-tart flavor of aged balsamic adds incredible depth and complexity. You can also make your own reduction by simmering ½ cup of regular balsamic vinegar over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until it’s reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon. This concentrated version has more intense flavor and that gorgeous glossy appearance. The acidity also helps cut through the richness of the bacon and chicken, keeping each bite interesting.

Fresh Garlic (Timing is Everything): Garlic is a beautiful addition to this Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet, but timing is critical! If you add it too early, it’ll burn and turn bitter in the hot pan. Instead, add 3-4 cloves of minced fresh garlic (or use a microplane to grate it) during the very last minute of cooking in step 4. Just toss it in with everything else and stir constantly for 60 seconds until it’s fragrant and golden but not brown. This gives you that wonderful garlic flavor and aroma without any bitterness. For extra garlic lovers, you can also finish the dish with a sprinkle of garlic powder along with the fresh garlic for a deeper, more complex garlic presence throughout.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

This Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet is incredibly versatile! Here are my favorite ways to serve it:

As-Is for Low-Carb Perfection: The most straightforward option is simply serving this skillet straight from the pan! It’s already a complete meal with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the bacon, and fiber from the Brussels sprouts. This is perfect for anyone following keto, paleo, or Whole30 diets (just skip the maple syrup or use a compliant sweetener). The macro balance is excellent, and you won’t miss having a starchy side at all. Just divide among plates and dig in!

Over Grains for a Heartier Meal: If you want something more substantial or are feeding people who prefer traditional “meat and sides” meals, serve this over a bed of fluffy brown rice, nutty quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want to keep it lower-carb but add volume. The juices and glaze from the skillet soak into the grains, making every bite flavorful. Farro or wild rice also work beautifully and add wonderful chewy texture. This approach turns it into a bowl-style meal that’s satisfying and complete.

Add Crunch with Toasted Nuts: Right before serving, sprinkle the top of your Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet with ⅓ cup of toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds. The nuts add another layer of texture (crispy and crunchy!) plus healthy fats and a subtle earthy sweetness that complements the Brussels sprouts beautifully. To toast nuts, simply cook them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. This restaurant-style finishing touch makes the dish feel extra special and adds visual appeal with those scattered golden nuts throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely, and I actually highly recommend it! Chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender than breasts, and they have more flavor due to their higher fat content. They’re also much more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them by a minute or two—they won’t dry out like breasts can. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into the same bite-sized pieces as you would breasts. The cooking time is virtually identical. Thighs are also usually more affordable than breasts, making this Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet even more budget-friendly. The slightly richer flavor of dark meat actually pairs even better with the bacon and Brussels sprouts!

How do I shave Brussels sprouts for a hash-style version? Shaved Brussels sprouts create a completely different but equally delicious texture—almost like a slaw or hash! To shave them, you have two options: use the slicing blade on a food processor and feed the whole sprouts through until they’re thinly sliced, or use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them as thinly as possible (about ⅛-inch thick). Shaved sprouts cook much faster—only about 3-4 minutes total—and create a more delicate, less “cabbage-y” texture that some people prefer. They also mix more easily with the chicken and bacon. Just toss them in the pan after removing the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until they’re tender and starting to brown in spots.

Is this Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet Paleo and Whole30 compliant? Yes, with one tiny modification! The dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (as long as you use oil instead of butter), which already checks major boxes. The only non-compliant ingredient in the base recipe is the maple syrup, which contains natural sugars not allowed on Whole30. Simply omit the maple syrup entirely for strict Whole30, or use a Whole30-approved sweetener alternative if you want that touch of sweetness. The dish is still absolutely delicious without it—the caramelization of the Brussels sprouts and onions provides natural sweetness, and the balsamic vinegar adds complexity. Make sure your bacon is Whole30 compliant (no added sugar in the curing process) by checking labels. This makes it perfect for anyone following these popular elimination diets!

Conclusion

This Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet proves that healthy food can be savory, smoky, incredibly satisfying, and absolutely delicious—no bland “diet food” here! It’s become an absolute staple in our dinner rotation, and once you make it, I’m confident it’ll become one in yours too.

What makes this recipe so special is how it transforms humble ingredients into something that tastes indulgent and restaurant-quality. Those Brussels sprouts that people claim to hate? They become sweet, crispy, caramelized nuggets of deliciousness. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful from cooking in bacon fat. And that bacon? Well, bacon makes everything better, doesn’t it?

The one-pan format means you’re not chained to the kitchen or facing a mountain of dishes afterward. The 30-minute cooking time means this fits into even the busiest weeknight schedules. And the nutritional profile—high protein, healthy fats, tons of vitamins and fiber—means you can feel genuinely good about what you’re eating while absolutely loving every bite.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for picky family members, trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, or just looking for a reliable, delicious dinner that doesn’t require much effort, this Chicken & Brussels Sprouts Skillet checks every box.

Ready to convert yourself (or your family) into Brussels sprouts lovers? Grab your cast iron skillet and give this a try tonight! I promise you’ll love the crispy bacon bits, the caramelized sprouts, and how incredibly easy it is. Let me know in the comments what you think—did it change anyone’s mind about Brussels sprouts? Did you try any of the flavor variations?

Be sure to save this healthy dinner recipe to your “Easy Weeknight Dinners” or “Healthy Recipes” board on Pinterest so you can find it whenever you need a quick, nutritious meal!

Happy cooking, and here’s to one-pan wonders that make life delicious!