If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Roasted Chicken with Pears and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It’s a perfect marriage of savory and sweet, with tender, crispy-skinned chicken paired alongside caramelized pears and crisp Brussels sprouts. The combination of herbs and balsamic vinegar brings out deep, comforting flavors that make this dish ideal for fall dinners, holidays, or any time you want something both elegant and easy. Trust me when I say that this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation, delighting your taste buds and filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roasted Chicken with Pears and Brussels Sprouts Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the juicy pears adding subtle sweetness, to the hearty Brussels sprouts delivering that perfect crunch, and the chicken providing a hearty base. Let’s dive into these straightforward essentials that create such depth in every bite.
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts: Bone-in pieces roast with extra flavor and stay juicy throughout cooking.
- 2 pears, sliced: Pears bring natural sweetness and soften into luscious caramelized morsels.
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved: Halved for even roasting and a crispy, caramelized finish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and roast the veggies to a perfect golden color.
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and a subtle complexity that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp rosemary or thyme: Aromatic herbs that infuse the dish with classic, woodsy notes.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor and bring it all together.
How to Make Roasted Chicken with Pears and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by washing and halving the Brussels sprouts to ensure they roast evenly and develop a wonderful crispness. Slice the pears into thin wedges; these will caramelize beautifully in the oven. Having your ingredients prepped means the actual cooking becomes a breeze.
Step 2: Toss Brussels Sprouts and Pears
In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and pear slices with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, your chosen herb, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where the flavors really start to mingle, setting the stage for that delightful sweet-savory contrast.
Step 3: Arrange Everything on a Sheet Pan
Place the chicken pieces on a rimmed sheet pan, skin side up, making sure they have a bit of space so they roast evenly. Surround the chicken with the tossed pears and Brussels sprouts, allowing the juices from the chicken to mingle with the vegetables as they cook.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Roast everything at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken’s skin, aiming for a gorgeous crispy golden-brown crust. The chicken should be cooked through, and the pears and Brussels sprouts should be tender yet slightly caramelized.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Pan Juices
Don’t forget to spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken just before serving—they’re packed with concentrated flavor from the roasting process and add an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Roasted Chicken with Pears and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
To add freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves over the dish before serving. A light drizzle of honey can also enhance the natural sweetness of the pears and balance the savory elements beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, consider creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or a simple quinoa salad. These sides complement the rich flavors without overpowering the main star of the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the chicken and vegetables family-style on a large wooden board or rustic platter. Layer the pears and Brussels sprouts around the chicken pieces to showcase their vibrant colors and textures. This invites everyone to dig in and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining much of the original flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Roasted Chicken with Pears and Brussels Sprouts Recipe later, you can freeze the cooked components separately. Wrap the chicken and roasted vegetables tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that pears may soften further after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore some crispness, especially to the chicken skin and Brussels sprouts. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture, but if in a pinch, cover the dish to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Using boneless chicken will reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes, so keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking and dryness.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a slightly different but still lovely flavor profile. Just use a bit less since some alternatives can be more acidic.
Can I swap out pears for another fruit?
Yes! Apples or even sweet potatoes work beautifully in this dish and offer different textures and flavors that complement the chicken and Brussels sprouts.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Roasted Chicken with Pears and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients, like vinegar, are verified gluten-free.
Can I add more sweetness to this dish?
For a sweeter twist, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the pears before roasting, which adds depth and a delicious caramelized glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Roasted Chicken with Pears and Brussels Sprouts Recipe. The ease of a one-pan meal combined with the lovely balance of savory and sweet flavors makes it a standout dish any night of the week. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll earn a special spot in your cookbook — and your heart.
Print
Roasted Chicken with Pears and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A beautifully balanced, savory-sweet roasted chicken dish featuring caramelized pears, crispy Brussels sprouts, and aromatic herbs. This flavorful sheet pan meal is perfect for cozy fall evenings or holiday dinners, combining tender roasted chicken with naturally sweet and earthy vegetables for an effortless yet elegant main course.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
Produce
- 2 pears, sliced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
Pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp rosemary or thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Pears: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and sliced pears with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, your choice of rosemary or thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to evenly coat all pieces.
- Arrange on Sheet Pan: Place the bone-in chicken thighs or breasts in the center of a sheet pan. Scatter the tossed pears and Brussels sprouts around the chicken, ensuring everything is spread out in a single layer for even roasting.
- Roast the Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the sheet pan meal for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crispy, the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables and pears are caramelized and tender.
- Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the chicken rest briefly. Serve warm, spooning the pan juices over the chicken and vegetables for extra flavor.
Notes
- Add honey or maple syrup to the pears and Brussels sprouts for a touch of extra sweetness if desired.
- Substitute pears with apples or Brussels sprouts with sweet potatoes for seasonal variations.
- If using boneless chicken pieces, reduce baking time accordingly and check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Sheet Pan Meal
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
