Imagine the sizzle of tender ground chicken mingling with caramelized Brussels sprouts, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. This One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts dish combines lean protein with nutrient-rich vegetables in a savory, satisfying meal that comes together in just minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome yet don’t want to spend hours cooking or cleaning multiple pots and pans. The natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts complements the mild flavor of ground chicken, creating a balanced dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook both components in a single pan, master the art of seasoning this simple yet flavorful dish, and discover how to make this versatile recipe work for various dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite for so many reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable – everything cooks in a single pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum efficiency. The dish is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when time is precious but you refuse to sacrifice nutrition or flavor.

The textural contrast makes each bite interesting – tender, juicy ground chicken paired with Brussels sprouts that are crispy and caramelized on the outside while tender on the inside. The flavor profile is equally impressive, with savory notes from the chicken complemented by the slightly sweet, nutty taste of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that this meal is packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and can easily fit into keto, paleo, or Whole30 eating plans with minor adjustments. The dish is also incredibly versatile – it works beautifully as a standalone meal but can be served over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice depending on your preferences.

Best of all, this chicken and Brussels sprouts dish has that magical quality of tasting even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or planned leftovers.

Ingredients

For this One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe, you’ll need:

1 pound (450g) ground chicken
1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds excellent flavor)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 tablespoons chicken broth (optional, for extra moisture)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The ground chicken provides a lean protein base that readily absorbs the flavors of the aromatics and seasonings. Fresh Brussels sprouts are essential for achieving the perfect texture—frozen ones tend to become too soft and watery. The combination of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce creates a savory-sweet glaze that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Pro Tips

Properly Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts

The key to delicious Brussels sprouts is proper preparation. Remove any discolored outer leaves and trim the woody stems without cutting so deep that the leaves fall apart. Halve smaller sprouts and quarter larger ones to ensure even cooking. This consistent size is crucial—it allows the Brussels sprouts to caramelize on the cut sides while remaining tender throughout. For maximum flavor development, dry your Brussels sprouts thoroughly after washing. Excess moisture will cause them to steam rather than roast, preventing that desirable caramelization.

Don’t Overcrowd The Pan

One common mistake that prevents proper browning is overcrowding the pan. If your pan is too full, the Brussels sprouts will steam rather than roast, and the chicken won’t develop those flavorful browned bits. Work in batches if necessary, or use your largest skillet for this One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts dish. Give everything enough space to allow moisture to evaporate, which is essential for caramelization. Remember that properly browned ingredients equal maximum flavor.

Control The Heat

Managing your heat level throughout cooking is essential for this dish. Start with medium-high heat to get a good sear on the Brussels sprouts, then reduce to medium when adding the chicken to prevent burning the aromatics like garlic and onions. Ground chicken cooks quickly and can easily dry out, so avoid the temptation to crank up the heat. When combining all ingredients at the end, use medium-low heat to allow the flavors to meld without overcooking the already-tender components. This heat control ensures your chicken and Brussels sprouts skillet meal maintains the perfect balance of textures.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Brussels Sprouts

Begin by thoroughly washing your Brussels sprouts under cool running water. Using a sharp knife, trim the woody stems and remove any discolored outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise (quarter any particularly large ones) to ensure even cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving proper caramelization rather than steaming.

Step 2: Sear The Brussels Sprouts

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the prepared Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the flat sides develop a deep golden-brown caramelization. Stir and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook The Aromatics

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Cook The Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the pan with the aromatics. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula into small, even pieces. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and begins to brown slightly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Step 5: Combine And Finish The Dish

Pour the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce into the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these contain concentrated flavor. Add the chicken broth if you’d like a slightly saucier dish. Return the seared Brussels sprouts to the pan and gently fold everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together. Your One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is now ready to serve!

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve your chicken and Brussels sprouts directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving dish. This meal is delicious on its own for a low-carb option, or can be served over your favorite grain or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Variations

Asian-Inspired Version

Transform your One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts into an Asian-inspired dish by making a few simple swaps. Replace the thyme and rosemary with 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder. Substitute the balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar and add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Instead of parsley, garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil. This variation pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal with vibrant Asian flavors.

Mediterranean Style

For a Mediterranean twist, add 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup of pitted kalamata olives when returning the Brussels sprouts to the pan. Replace the soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the herb mix. Just before serving, fold in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and garnish with fresh dill or mint instead of parsley. This bright, tangy version of chicken with Brussels sprouts works wonderfully alongside a simple Greek salad or wrapped in warm pita bread.

Spicy Southwest Version

Create a Southwestern-inspired dish by adding 1 diced bell pepper and 1 small diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) when cooking the onions. Replace the thyme and rosemary with 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. After cooking the chicken, stir in 1/2 cup of black beans and 1/2 cup of corn kernels. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and diced avocado. This hearty variation of the One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts makes an excellent filling for tacos or topping for a grain bowl.

Storage and Serving

Storage Options

Your One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerated portions will maintain their quality for up to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months—simply portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but may slightly affect the texture of the Brussels sprouts.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this versatile chicken and Brussels sprouts skillet pairs wonderfully with various sides. For a complete meal, serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or traditional rice, quinoa, or farro if carbs aren’t a concern. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory dish. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a crusty whole grain bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

For an elegant presentation, sprinkle with additional fresh herbs, a few red pepper flakes for color and heat, or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. This One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts also makes an excellent meal prep option—portion into containers with your chosen side for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken in this One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe. They have similar mild flavors and cooking properties. If using ground turkey, look for packages labeled 93% lean for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Very lean turkey (99%) may result in a drier final dish, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil or chicken broth if using the leanest option.

Why are my Brussels sprouts bitter?

Brussels sprouts can taste bitter if they’re undercooked or if they’ve been exposed to high heat for too long without enough fat. To reduce bitterness in your chicken and Brussels sprouts dish, ensure you’re properly caramelizing them in step 2, which helps bring out their natural sweetness. The addition of balsamic vinegar also helps balance any remaining bitterness. Very fresh, smaller Brussels sprouts tend to be naturally sweeter than larger or older ones.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts recipe is excellent for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it completely up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. For best texture, you can also prep the components separately—cook the chicken mixture and store it, then roast the Brussels sprouts fresh before serving and combine the two.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this chicken and Brussels sprouts dish is naturally keto-friendly as written. Brussels sprouts are low in carbohydrates, and ground chicken provides protein without carbs. The entire recipe contains minimal added carbohydrates, mainly from the onions, garlic, and small amount of balsamic vinegar. To make it even more keto-friendly, you can reduce the amount of onion and substitute the balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar, which has fewer carbs.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

This versatile recipe welcomes additional vegetables. For a more substantial One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts meal, consider adding diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped zucchini. Add firmer vegetables like bell peppers when cooking the onions, and more delicate vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, which could lead to steaming rather than proper browning of your ingredients.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is comfort food at its finest — nourishing, satisfying, and remarkably simple to prepare. It’s the perfect balance of lean protein and nutritious vegetables, with the convenience of cooking everything in a single pan. The caramelized Brussels sprouts add a delightful textural contrast to the tender ground chicken, while the savory sauce brings everything together with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a nutritious option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this versatile recipe delivers on all fronts. Give it a try, and discover how simple ingredients can transform into an extraordinary meal with just one pan and a little know-how.

One-Pan Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts