If you’re after a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with bold, balanced flavors, then you’ve got to try my Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together the sweet heat of hot honey mustard with the satisfying crunch of cornflake-coated chicken and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together quickly on a busy night.
When I first tried this recipe, what really blew me away was how little fuss it took – everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, reducing cleanup and maximizing flavor harmony. You’ll find that the combination of smoky paprika, tangy Dijon, and a touch of cayenne wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming them. This Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe is truly a game changer for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks on one sheet pan, so fewer dishes and more time to relax.
- Crunchy, Juicy Combo: Crispy cornflake coating on the chicken contrasts perfectly with tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts.
- Flavor Packed: The hot honey mustard sauce adds a sweet-spicy boost that keeps you coming back for more.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Works beautifully for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing company with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe is really in the simple, fresh ingredients working together. From the tender chicken to the vibrant Brussels sprouts and that luscious hot honey mustard glaze, each element shines when you have quality basics on hand.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great too; pick your favorite.
- Egg: Acts as glue to help the cornflake crust stick nicely to the chicken.
- Finely crushed corn flakes: Creates that irresistible, crunchy crust that’s way better than plain breadcrumbs.
- Whole wheat flour: Gives extra crispness to the coating and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Kosher salt: Don’t underestimate this – proper seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzling this over chicken and veggies helps everything roast up golden and prevents sticking.
- Brussels sprouts: Look for firm, fresh sprouts with bright green leaves; halving them helps get that perfect char.
- Shallots: Their mild onion flavor adds a nice depth without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh thyme: A sprinkle of this adds an herby aroma that pairs perfectly with the honey mustard sauce.
- Salted butter: Melts into the sauce, adding richness to balance the tang and spice.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness to lift the heat and sharpness of the mustard and cayenne.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce its signature tang and creamy texture.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with a zesty kick.
- Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a slightly smoky depth that makes the flavor pop.
- Cayenne pepper: Controls the heat level – add a little or a lot, depending on your spice love.
- Garlic powder: A subtle savory note that blends into the sauce seamlessly.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to swap, tweak, or boost ingredients to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: I switched to thighs when I wanted juicier, more tender meat that doesn’t dry out as quickly; absolutely worth it.
- Spice it up or tone it down: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference – my family can take a lot, but for you, maybe just a pinch.
- Veggie swaps: Tried this with broccoli and sweet potatoes instead of Brussels sprouts, and it came out fantastic – great for seasonal variety.
- Gluten-free option: Replace corn flakes with crushed gluten-free cereal or almond meal to keep the crunch without gluten worries.
How to Make Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
First things first, preheat your oven to a sizzling 450°F – this high heat is what helps get that amazing crisp on the chicken and caramelization on the Brussels sprouts. I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. Next, in one bowl, toss your chicken pieces with the beaten egg – this is the key binder for the crust. In another bowl, combine your finely crushed corn flakes, whole wheat flour, and a pinch of kosher salt. Dredge each chicken piece through this crumb mixture until fully coated, setting them neatly on one side of the baking sheet. Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil to help the crust golden to perfection.
Step 2: Toss the Brussels Sprouts and Shallots
On the other side of the baking sheet, arrange your halved Brussels sprouts and quartered shallots. Toss them with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, generous kosher salt, pepper, and fresh thyme leaves if you want that extra fragrance. When everything’s spread in a single layer, pop the pan into the oven for 20 minutes. This step roasts the chicken until cooked through and gives the sprouts a nice tender-crisp bite.
Step 3: Whip Up the Hot Honey Mustard Sauce
While your chicken and veggies roast, it’s time to mix the star of the show – the hot honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together melted salted butter, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce thickens as it sits, warming it gently in the microwave or on the stove helps it return to a pourable consistency. This sauce is where the sweet, tangy, and spicy magic happens.
Step 4: Sauce It Up and Final Roast
Once the initial 20 minutes are up, remove the sheet pan from the oven and spoon that luscious hot honey mustard sauce generously over each chicken piece, making sure they’re nicely coated. Give the Brussels sprouts another quick toss with a tablespoon of olive oil for added crispness, then slide the pan back into the oven at a reduced temperature of 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye as the sauce just starts to bubble – that signals the perfect finishing touch. A quick final roast seals in those flavors and gives you that irresistible glaze.
Before serving, a quick taste test will tell you if it needs a pinch more salt — something I’ve learned often elevates the final dish at the very end.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Crush Corn Flakes Finely: I use a zip-top bag and rolling pin to get a fine crumb that sticks better and crisps evenly on the chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leaving space between chicken pieces and Brussels ensures proper roasting and crispness instead of steaming.
- Adjust Heat Carefully: I start with less cayenne, knowing you can always sprinkle more on your plate if you want extra kick.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Melting cold butter and mixing it with the sauce at room temperature prevents clumps and keeps it silky smooth.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
I often finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of extra hot honey right before serving – adds a lovely pop of color and amps up the sweet heat. Sometimes, I’ll scatter a few toasted almond slivers or chopped parsley for freshness and crunch. These little garnishes make the dish look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is satisfying on its own, I like pairing it with fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa salad to round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complements the bold flavors beautifully. You’ll find that these sides soak up the sauce perfectly, making each bite a tiny celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I lay the roasted chicken and Brussels sprouts over a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice for an elegant presentation. Another idea I’ve enjoyed is serving this recipe on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of extra sauce and pickled veggies on the side—perfect for casual entertaining where everyone digs in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and make sure to keep the chicken and Brussels sprouts separate if possible to maintain their textures. This way, the chicken crust doesn’t get soggy, and the sprouts stay a little crispier.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. After cooking, let everything cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers. I usually freeze the chicken and veggies separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the textures intact.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer using the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to revive the crispness of the cornflake coating and roasted veggies. Microwave reheating tends to soften the crust too much, so the oven method is my go-to for leftovers.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken for this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
You can, but bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through. I recommend adjusting the baking time and checking for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safety. Also, bone-in chicken might release more juices, which could affect the crispiness of the coating.
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How spicy is the hot honey mustard sauce?
The sauce has a gentle but noticeable heat thanks to cayenne pepper, balanced by honey’s sweetness and buttery richness. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding less cayenne or increasing it according to your taste.
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What can I substitute for corn flakes if I don’t have any?
Breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers work well as alternatives, but corn flakes provide a unique crunch and slightly sweet flavor that I really love in this recipe. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free cereal or almond meal.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken coating and sauce in advance, then just assemble and bake when ready. Roasted leftovers also reheat beautifully if stored and reheated properly.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe has easily become one of my go-to dinners. It’s so satisfying to pull a flavorful, crispy, and saucy meal out of the oven with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Trust me — once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again, whether it’s a busy weeknight or weekend treat. Give it a whirl and let me know how it becomes part of your family’s favorites!
PrintSheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts recipe delivers a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. The crispy cornflake-coated chicken breasts or thighs are baked alongside tender roasted Brussels sprouts and shallots. The dish is finished with a spicy, sweet, and tangy hot honey mustard sauce that adds a delicious kick and balances the savory elements perfectly.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups finely crushed corn flakes
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Vegetables
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 shallots, quartered
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
Hot Honey Mustard Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Coating: In a bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, combine crushed corn flakes, whole wheat flour, and a pinch of kosher salt. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then dredge thoroughly in the cornflake mixture to coat well. Place the coated chicken pieces on one side of the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Prepare Vegetables: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts and quartered shallots in 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange them on the opposite side of the baking sheet from the chicken. Scatter fresh thyme over the veggies for added flavor.
- Bake Chicken and Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 450°F until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables start to brown. Then reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the next step.
- Make Hot Honey Mustard Sauce: While baking, combine melted salted butter, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until pourable.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce and Finish Roasting: Spoon the hot honey mustard sauce over each piece of cooked chicken, coating thoroughly. Toss the Brussels sprouts with 1 additional tablespoon of olive oil. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 3-5 minutes at 400°F until the sauce becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, season lightly with additional kosher salt if needed, and plate the chicken alongside the crispy Brussels sprouts and shallots. Enjoy your flavorful sheet pan meal!
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spiciness in the sauce based on your preference.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- Finely crushed corn flakes provide a crunchy coating but can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Ensure the oven temperature reduction step is followed to avoid overcooking the chicken while finishing the sauce.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute whole wheat flour with almond or rice flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg