Sheet-Pan Cherry Balsamic Chicken (Print Version)

Tangy chicken thighs roasted with Brussels sprouts and cherries in a rich balsamic glaze. Easy sheet-pan meal.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 2 pounds)

→ Vegetables and Fruits

02 - 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
03 - 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted
04 - 1 small red onion, sliced into wedges

→ Marinade and Glaze

05 - 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional for seasoning
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Garnish

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for convenient cleanup.
02 - In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
03 - Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour half of the prepared balsamic marinade over the chicken and toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Allow to marinate for a minimum of 10 minutes, or for enhanced flavor, refrigerate for up to overnight.
04 - On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the halved Brussels sprouts, red onion wedges, and pitted cherries. Drizzle with the remaining half of the marinade and toss gently to coat uniformly.
05 - Nestle the marinated chicken thighs, skin-side up, amongst the arranged vegetables and cherries on the baking sheet. For extra flavor, brush with a small amount of additional marinade.
06 - Roast in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the Brussels sprouts should be tender and caramelized.
07 - For exceptionally crispy chicken skin, you may broil the sheet pan for an additional 2 minutes during the final stages of cooking.
08 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the chicken and vegetables to rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour with just 15 minutes of hands on prep
  • Perfect balance of sweet tangy and savory flavors
  • One pan means minimal cleanup
  • Works with fresh or frozen cherries year round
02 -
  • Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked
  • The natural pectin in cherries helps thicken the glaze as it cooks
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions
03 -
  • For the most flavorful results pat chicken completely dry before marinating to help seasoning adhere better.
  • Allow ingredients to come to room temperature before roasting for more even cooking.
  • When selecting Brussels sprouts look for tight compact heads without yellowing leaves for the sweetest flavor.

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