After a busy week of juggling work and family commitments, I found myself yearning for a comforting, flavorful meal that wouldn’t keep me tied to the kitchen for hours. That’s when I stumbled across a brilliant idea: a sheet pan dinner that brings the joy of homemade cooking with the ease of minimal cleanup. This Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts recipe became our new go-to!
Just imagine the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey mustard glaze, perfectly complemented by roasted Brussels sprouts and shallots. The golden-brown chicken and caramelized greens fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that rivals any restaurant fare. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal rotation or wanting a healthy yet delicious option, this recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, with just one pan required, you’ll have more time to unwind after dinner. Let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Why is Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked on a single sheet pan, clean-up is a breeze.
Savory and Sweet: The hot honey mustard sauce elevates the dish with a perfect blend of heat and sweetness.
Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: Impress family and friends with a meal that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for any occasion.
Take it a step further by exploring more delicious sheet pan recipes that will help you save time in the kitchen!
Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken Ingredients
Let’s gather everything you need to make this flavorful meal!
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs – Choose thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- 1 large egg – This helps the coating adhere beautifully.
- 2 cups finely crushed corn flakes – Adds delightful crunch and texture.
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour – Helps the coating crisp up in the oven.
- kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – Drizzle for moisture and added richness.
For the Veggies
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved – These little gems caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- 2 shallots, quartered – Their sweet flavor complements the chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme – Adds aromatic freshness to the dish.
For the Hot Honey Mustard Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted – Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey – Provides sweetness that balances the heat.
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard – Adds a zesty kick that enhances the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Brightens the sauce and brings all flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper – Adjust this based on your heat preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- kosher salt – A dash to taste for seasoning.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s bring these ingredients together for a wonderfully satisfying meal that will have everyone raving about your cooking!
How to Make Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken
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Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil for easy clean-up.
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Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with the egg, mixing well. In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed corn flakes, flour, and a pinch of salt. Dredge the chicken pieces in the crumb mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated, and place on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
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Add the Veggies: To the empty side of the sheet pan, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and quartered shallots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake everything for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
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Make the Sauce: While your chicken and veggies are baking, whisk together the melted butter, honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy; if it thickens, gently warm it in the microwave.
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Combine & Roast Again: Spoon the hot honey mustard sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is richly coated. Toss the Brussels sprouts with an additional tablespoon of oil. Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast everything together for another 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is nicely caramelized.
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Plate & Serve: Carefully plate the dish, sprinkling a pinch of salt over everything to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Optional: Drizzle with extra honey for a touch of sweetness before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken
Fridge: Store any leftover crispy chicken and Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in tightly sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months. Ensure everything is cooled before freezing to maintain texture.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, keeping that crispy goodness.
To Serve: If necessary, drizzle with more hot honey mustard sauce to revive that delicious flavor.
Variations & Substitutions for Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken
Feel free to get creative with this recipe, allowing your taste buds to guide the way!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch without gluten.
- Spice Level: For a fiery kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Feel the heat intensify!
- Veggie Swap: Rotate in seasonal vegetables like green beans or carrots for added color and nutrition. They’ll soak up the delicious flavors beautifully!
- Honey Alternative: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a unique, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the mustard. It’s a maple lover’s dream!
- Low-Carb: Skip the corn flakes and opt for crushed pork rinds for a crispy, low-carb coating that keeps the crunch.
- Vegan Version: Sub the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a flax egg to bind the coating. As an added bonus, the sauce is naturally vegan if you swap honey with agave!
- Herb Twist: Change the fresh thyme to rosemary or oregano for a different aromatic experience that elevates the dish. Each herb brings its own delightful essence!
- Creamy Sauce Option: Add a splash of heavy cream or yogurt to the sauce for creaminess, creating a richer flavor profile that’s utterly indulgent.
Embrace the culinary journey and make this dish your own; it’s all about heartfelt creativity!
Make Ahead Options
These Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts are a dream for busy home cooks! You can marinate the chicken in the hot honey mustard sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate. Additionally, you can prepare the Brussels sprouts and shallots by halving and quartering them, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply dredge the marinated chicken through the cornflake mixture, arrange everything on the sheet pan, and roast as directed. This prep-ahead approach means you can enjoy a savory, hassle-free meal during your hectic weeknights, just as delicious as if made fresh!
Expert Tips for Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken
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Don’t Skimp on Coating: Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated in the corn flake mixture for maximum crunch. A light coating could lead to sogginess.
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Oven Temperature Matters: Start at a high temperature of 450°F to achieve that crispy exterior. Halfway through, reducing the temp to 400°F keeps everything perfectly cooked and tender.
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Veggie Care: Give the Brussels sprouts and shallots enough space on the pan for even roasting. Crowding can cause steaming, which will affect crispiness.
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Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot honey mustard sauce. This way, you can tailor the heat level to your liking.
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Make Ahead: To save time, prep the chicken and veggies earlier in the day and store them separately until you’re ready to pop them in the oven. This recipe will shine even on a busy night!
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Serve with a Twist: For an extra kick, drizzle additional honey over the plated dish right before serving. It beautifully enhances the overall flavor of the Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken.
What to Serve with Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken?
As you savor the crunchy chicken and vibrant Brussels sprouts, you’ll want to elevate the meal with delightful sides that enhance each flavorful bite.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the zesty chicken and crisp greens.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the hot honey mustard, adding a touch of earthiness to your plate.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light mix of greens and veggies drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty and protein-packed, a vibrant quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber brings an added layer of flavor and texture.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn brushed with butter is a classic side that complements the boldness of the honey mustard sauce while adding summer vibes to your meal.
- Sparkling Lemonade: To cleanse the palate, a fizzy, refreshing drink pairs perfectly with the spicy notes of the dish, enhancing your dining experience.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus with a sprinkle of lemon makes for a delightful, crisp contrast to the main dish’s flavors.
- Apple Pie: For dessert, a warm slice of apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream rounds off the meal with sweetness, balancing the initial heat.
Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken with Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken, look for boneless breasts or thighs that are plump and uniform in color. The meat should be firm to the touch with no dark spots or unpleasant odor. Chicken thighs will yield more juiciness and flavor, making them a delightful choice for this recipe!
How should I store leftovers of this dish?
Very! Store any leftover crispy chicken and Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend separating them to keep the chicken crispy and the veggies from getting soggy. Just reheat everything together right before serving for a quick meal!
Can I freeze the cooked chicken and Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze portions in tightly sealed freezer bags for up to 3 months. Ensure everything is cooled down to room temperature before freezing to maintain texture. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
What can I do if my chicken coating doesn’t turn out crispy?
Don’t fret! If your coating isn’t as crispy as you’d like, here’s a little troubleshooting tip: Make sure you’re coating each chicken piece thoroughly and allowing excess crumbs to fall off before baking. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming. Since oven temperatures can vary, ensuring your oven is properly preheated to 450°F initially helps achieve that desirable crunch!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! For those with gluten allergies, you can swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free corn flakes as well. If you’re cooking for pets, remember to avoid seasoning the chicken with salt or additional spices, as those can be harmful to them. Always check for any individual allergies related to the ingredients, like mustard or certain oils.
How do I adjust the heat level in the hot honey mustard sauce?
Very easy! If you prefer a milder sauce, start with just 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and taste before adding more. For those craving extra heat, feel free to increase it up to 2 teaspoons or even add some red pepper flakes. Mix well, tasting often – after all, cooking is all about personal preferences!
These FAQs should help you navigate the delicious world of the Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts recipe with ease and confidence! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken with Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil for easy clean-up.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with the egg, mixing well. In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed corn flakes, flour, and a pinch of salt. Dredge the chicken pieces in the crumb mixture, ensuring they're well-coated, and place on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- To the empty side of the sheet pan, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and quartered shallots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake everything for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
- While your chicken and veggies are baking, whisk together the melted butter, honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the hot honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is richly coated. Toss the Brussels sprouts with an additional tablespoon of oil. Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast everything together for another 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is nicely caramelized.
- Carefully plate the dish, sprinkling a pinch of salt over everything to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your comforting meal!