Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Looking for a bold, quick weeknight dinner that hits that crave-worthy balance of sweet, tangy, and hearty? You’ve found it with Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts. This meal brings together savory ground chicken, earthy shaved Brussels sprouts, and a balsamic-honey glaze that transforms everything it touches into pure comfort. Whether you want something new to break out of a chicken rut or you’re a Brussels sprouts devotee, this dish is a sure-fire winner for both flavor and ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

At the heart of Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts is a handful of humble ingredients that come together for truly memorable flavor. Every element here serves a purpose, from the chicken’s hearty bite to that lush, sticky sauce!

• Ground Chicken (1 lb, 97/3): Lean but juicy, ground chicken is a protein powerhouse that cooks up quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts (10 oz): Thinly shaved, they cook fast and hold onto all that tangy glaze; if you can’t find shaved, just slice whole sprouts thinly.
• Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon): A little fat ensures the sprouts brown and crisp, and adds a touch of richness.
• Balsamic Vinegar (1/3 cup): Adds depth and gentle acidity, creating that signature sweet-tart bite in the sauce.
• Honey (3 Tablespoons): The natural sweetness perfectly balances the vinegar, making each bite a little sticky and irresistible.
• Whole Grain Mustard (2 Tablespoons): Gives the sauce gentle heat and incredible texture—you’ll love the little mustard seeds that pop.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Invigorates the dish with just the right amount of subtle spice.
• Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Draws out all the flavors and melds everything together.

How to Make Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

Start by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, honey, whole grain mustard, salt, and black pepper. Set this saucy dream aside—you’ll pour it over the chicken in just a few minutes. Mixing it first makes the rest of the recipe a quick, seamless affair.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the shaved Brussels sprouts and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to caramelize at the edges and turn bright green. If you’re working with halved Brussels sprouts instead, give them a few extra minutes for thorough browning. Once they’re vibrant and just tender, scoop them into a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Chicken

Add your ground chicken straight into the hot skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes so one side develops that beautiful golden-brown crust. Then break apart the chicken and let it finish cooking through. Browning is key here—those caramelized bits give Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts their irresistible depth.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the pre-mixed balsamic-honey-mustard sauce right over the browned chicken. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Keep stirring for about 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce thickens and cloaks the chicken in sticky, glossy goodness.

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Turn off the heat and gently fold those sautéed Brussels sprouts back into the skillet, letting them warm through and soak up the flavors. Give everything another pinch of salt and pepper if needed. That’s it—you’re ready for serving Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts however you like!

How to Serve Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

For a bright pop and extra flavor, shower your finished Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts with chopped fresh parsley, a few grinds of cracked black pepper, or a light sprinkle of lemon zest. Toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds add irresistible crunch and make every bite special.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile and goes with just about everything. Serve over warm rice for classic comfort, or try cauliflower rice for a lighter, veggie-packed twist. You could even spoon Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts over buttery mashed potatoes or alongside some roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier, cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn leftovers into grain bowls with farro or quinoa, stuff the mixture into lettuce wraps for a fresh lunch, or pile it into a whole grain wrap with avocado for an easy handheld meal. For brunch, top with a soft-boiled or fried egg and serve alongside crusty toast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts will keep at peak flavor for up to 3 days—making it an excellent make-ahead option for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes well! Portion into freezer-friendly containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the sprouts’ texture and the sauce’s tangy richness.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. The microwave works in a pinch—just heat in short bursts, stirring halfway through, to avoid overcooking the sprouts.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular mustard for whole grain?

Yes, you can use Dijon or spicy brown mustard if you don’t have whole grain mustard on hand, though the texture will be a little smoother and less “pop.” The flavor will still be fantastic!

What if I can’t find shaved Brussels sprouts?

No worries! Simply trim and thinly slice whole Brussels sprouts, or pulse them a couple of times in a food processor. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll soak up the sauce.

Could I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe, providing a similar lean, mild base. Just follow the instructions as written—no other changes needed.

Is Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts gluten-free?

All of the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels, especially for the mustard and vinegar, to avoid any hidden gluten if you’re serving someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a dollop of sriracha to the sauce mixture when you whisk it together. It brings a great kick to the classic Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts combo!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying Ground Chicken and Brussels Sprouts enough. It’s weeknight-friendly, endlessly riffable, and delivers big flavor in every forkful. Give it a spin, and don’t be surprised if it earns a spot in your regular rotation—you might just find a new kitchen favorite!

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