Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

I absolutely love how the flavors come together in this Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without a ton of fuss. The sticky, sweet-savory sauce complements the crispy, caramelized brussels sprouts perfectly, making every bite a balance of texture and flavor.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how little hands-on time it required but the results were restaurant-quality. You’ll find that baking everything on a single sheet pan means less cleanup, and the aroma of ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame fills the kitchen in the best way. This recipe is definitely worth trying if you want a crowd-pleaser that feels hearty but clean, plus it’s easily adaptable if you want to swap out veggies or modify for dietary needs.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe work harmoniously to create a rich, flavorful meal with layers of umami, brightness, and just the right amount of heat. Most of these are easy to find staples, and a few special items like pomegranate juice really elevate the dish.

• Boneless chicken breasts: I prefer breasts for lean protein, cut into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking.
• Egg: Helps the flour adhere perfectly to the chicken for that light coating.
• All-purpose or gluten-free flour: Use gluten-free if needed; it crisps up the chicken nicely.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
• Brussels sprouts: Halved for even roasting and max crispiness.
• Extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil: For roasting; sesame oil adds a subtle nuttiness I love.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Keeps the dish from getting too salty while packing in savory depth.
• Pomegranate juice: Adds a lovely fruity tang; apple cider or orange juice work well as substitutes.
• Honey: Sweetens and balances the tangy, savory sauce components.
• Balsamic vinegar: Contributes rich acidity and complexity.
• Apple cider vinegar: Enhances brightness and shakes up the flavor profile.
• Molasses or pomegranate molasses: Brings deep, robust sweetness—molasses for classic, pomegranate molasses for a twist.
• Creamy peanut butter: Adds butteriness and a subtle creaminess to the sticky sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or grated gives that punch of aromatic savoriness.
• Fresh ginger: Grated for a zesty bite that’s signature to this dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust the heat to your liking.
• Rice, sesame seeds, and green onions: Perfect finishing touches for serving, adding texture and color.

Variations

I love tweaking this Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe based on what’s in my kitchen or what my family likes—feel free to get creative! Swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels makes this recipe truly your own.

• Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped chicken for tofu cubes or tempeh and tossed them in the same sauce—it’s just as delicious and hearty!
• Spice Levels: Experiment with more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes depending on how much heat you enjoy; sometimes I add a dash of sriracha for extra kick.
• Seasonal Veggies: Love this with roasted cauliflower or even sweet potatoes instead of brussels sprouts when they’re out of season.
• Nut-Free: Leave out the peanut butter and substitute with sunflower seed butter or just increase the molasses for depth.

How to Make Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or greasing it lightly—that way nothing sticks. Toss the chicken cubes with beaten egg and a pinch of pepper in one bowl, then dredge them in flour in another bowl. This double-step coating makes the chicken gorgeously crispy once baked. Arrange the chicken on one side of the sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, then place the halved brussels sprouts on the other side, cut side down, tossed with oil, salt, and pepper. This setup helps everything cook evenly and ensures crisp edges on the sprouts.

Step 2: Roast Until Crispy and Almost Done

Pop the pan into the oven and roast for about 12 minutes. Then take the sprouts off the sheet to give them a quick toss (flip if you like), and turn the chicken so all sides get golden. Return everything to the oven for another 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken—depending on your oven and how big the cubes are, cooking time might slightly vary. You’re looking for fully cooked chicken with a nice golden crust and tender roasted sprouts.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Ginger Sesame Sauce

While the chicken and sprouts roast, whisk together soy sauce, pomegranate juice, honey, both vinegars, molasses, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring that goodness to a boil, then simmer and reduce it for 5 to 8 minutes until it thickens to a luscious glaze. This sauce is the star—make sure you get a good boil and reduction to concentrate all those flavors.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Finish Roasting

Pour half the sauce over the chicken and toss it gently to coat every piece. Drizzle the sprouts with an extra tablespoon of oil and return everything to the oven set at 400°F for another 3 minutes. Watch closely here—the sauce can burn quickly because of the sugars, so keep an eye on color and pull it out as soon as it’s sticky and shiny. This gives that signature sticky glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the sticky ginger sesame chicken over steamed rice, scattered with green onions, sesame seeds, and if you have them, pomegranate arils for a gorgeous pop of color and brightness. The roasted brussels sprouts make a perfect side, balancing sweetness and crisp texture. This meal looks as good as it tastes, which is always a win.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about simple but impactful garnishes here. Freshly sliced green onions add a bright bite that contrasts the sweet sauce, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds gives texture and a nutty aroma. If you want to get fancy, pomegranate arils add a burst of juiciness and a festive touch—I especially like this when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

Rice is a natural partner to this sticky chicken—it soaks up that amazing sauce and rounds out the meal. Sometimes I like to serve it alongside simple steamed jasmine or brown rice. You could also pair it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. A small side salad or pickled vegetables make nice refreshing contrasts to the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I love plating this with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and toasted peanuts for crunch. Serving it family-style on a large platter with the chicken in the center and brussels brushed with the sticky sauce on the sides makes a beautiful presentation. Sometimes I add lime wedges on the side for an extra pop of citrus brightness that guests really enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken keeps its texture surprisingly well, although I recommend reheating carefully to avoid drying it out. The brussels sprouts stay crispy enough, but they’re also delicious at room temperature if you want a snack later!

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I suggest freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the brussels sprouts to preserve texture. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly to avoid losing the glaze’s stickiness.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on a baking sheet at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to revive the crispiness, or gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it tends to make the chicken rubbery and the brussels limp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want something that feels elevated but is totally doable on a busy day. I’ve learned that the key is not to rush the sauce reduction and to keep a close eye during that final oven time so your glaze is sticky, not burnt. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite in your house too!

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