Save This sheet-pan cherry balsamic chicken and Brussels sprouts dinner transforms everyday ingredients into a stunning meal with minimal effort. The sweet-tart combination of cherries and balsamic creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the Brussels sprouts develop irresistible crispy edges.
I created this recipe during cherry season when I was overwhelmed with a farmers market haul. My family was skeptical about fruit with chicken until they tasted it. Now they request this dinner regularly as the perfect weeknight solution.
Ingredients
- Bone in skin on chicken thighs: provide maximum flavor and stay juicy throughout roasting
- Brussels sprouts: caramelize beautifully and absorb the balsamic glaze
- Fresh or frozen cherries: add natural sweetness and create a stunning color contrast
- Red onion wedges: mellow and sweeten during roasting
- Balsamic vinegar: creates the foundation for the glaze with its rich depth
- Pure maple syrup: enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries
- Olive oil: helps everything roast evenly without sticking
- Fresh garlic: adds aromatic complexity that dried simply cannot match
- Dijon mustard: acts as an emulsifier while adding subtle tang
- Dried herbs: infuse the dish with aromatic notes throughout cooking
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. The high temperature is crucial for achieving caramelization on the vegetables and crispy chicken skin. Make sure your baking sheet has a rim to contain all the delicious juices.
- Create the Balsamic Marinade:
- In a bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar maple syrup olive oil minced garlic Dijon mustard dried herbs salt and pepper until completely emulsified. This marinade does triple duty as a chicken marinade vegetable coating and finishing glaze so take time to blend it thoroughly.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken thighs in a bowl and coat with half the balsamic mixture using your hands to ensure even coverage. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor penetration. The acid in the balsamic helps tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Arrange Brussels sprouts red onion wedges and cherries on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Pour half the remaining marinade over the vegetables and toss until everything is coated evenly. Spread them out again ensuring some space between pieces for proper caramelization.
- Arrange the Chicken:
- Place marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables with the skin side facing up. The position is important as it allows the skin to crisp while the juices from the chicken flavor the vegetables below. Brush any remaining marinade over the chicken skin.
- Roast to Perfection:
- Roast for 30 to 35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and Brussels sprouts have caramelized edges. Check halfway through cooking and rotate the pan if necessary for even browning. The cherries will release their juices creating a beautiful sauce.
- Optional Broiling:
- For extra crispy chicken skin switch to broil for the final 2 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning. This step transforms good chicken into great chicken with crackling golden skin.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Allow everything to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the chicken. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before bringing to the table for a bright color contrast and fresh flavor.
Save The cherries are truly what make this dish special. I discovered this combination when trying to recreate a restaurant dish I had in northern Michigan during cherry season. The way they burst and create pockets of sweetness against the savory chicken is absolutely magical.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight making this an excellent meal prep option. To reheat properly place in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes rather than microwaving to maintain the textural contrast between crispy and tender elements.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Version Use fresh cherries at peak ripeness and add fresh thyme instead of dried
Fall Variation Incorporate diced butternut squash alongside the Brussels sprouts
Winter Option Use frozen cherries and add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy polenta which soaks up the balsamic cherry juices. For a complete meal consider serving with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. A crusty baguette is also essential for mopping up every last bit of the glaze from your plate.
Success Stories
Many home cooks report this recipe has converted Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans. The caramelization and balsamic glaze transform these often maligned vegetables into something truly craveable. One reader mentioned making this for a dinner party where guests were scraping the pan for the last bits of glaze.
Save This sheet-pan chicken recipe is a winner for its ease and flavor. It’s a complete meal that looks impressive enough for guests but is simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs or chicken breasts work well. Adjust roasting time, as boneless pieces cook faster and may dry out if overcooked.
- → Is it possible to use frozen cherries?
Absolutely, frozen cherries are a great substitute. No need to thaw them before adding to the sheet pan—just toss them with the other ingredients.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve alongside quinoa, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the flavorful glaze.
- → Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prep the vegetables in advance. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → How do I get extra crispy chicken skin?
For crispier skin, broil the sheet pan for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.
- → What allergens should I watch for?
This dish contains mustard. Always check packaged ingredients if you have food sensitivities or allergies.