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Light and Zesty Sheet Pan Citrus Glazed Chicken with Brussels Sprouts

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 11, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
American-Inspired 40 mins sheetpanonepaneasyhealthyfamily-friendlylightquickseasonalweeknightcitrus chickenroasted brussels sprouts

This easy sheet pan dinner combines bright citrus flavors with juicy chicken thighs and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a healthy, family-friendly meal ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

Light and Zesty Sheet Pan Citrus Glazed Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Prep 15 min
Cook 25 min
Total 40 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine American-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook25 min
Total40 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineAmerican-Inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 4
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and orange zest until smooth. Set aside the citrus glaze.
  3. Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the skin with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  6. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the opposite side of the baking sheet, ensuring space between pieces for even roasting.
  7. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the citrus glaze for basting and serving.
  8. Brush the remaining glaze evenly over the chicken thighs.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the pan and baste the chicken with the reserved glaze. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
  10. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to crisp the chicken skin, watching closely to avoid burning.
  11. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
  12. Serve the chicken and Brussels sprouts hot, drizzled with pan juices for added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

This Sheet Pan Dinner is versatile and adaptable to fit various dietary needs while staying simple and flavorful.

  • Chicken thighs: Swap for boneless salmon fillets or firm white fish for a pescatarian option; adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Olive oil: Substitute with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for higher smoke point or neutral flavor.
  • Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly.
  • Dijon mustard: Replace with whole grain mustard for milder tang or omit if preferred.
  • Smoked paprika: Use regular paprika or a dash of chili powder to change flavor profiles.
  • Brussels sprouts: Swap with seasonal veggies like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli florets.
  • Salt and pepper: Use a salt substitute or reduce salt for low-sodium diets, enhancing flavor with fresh herbs like parsley.

These swaps help maintain this recipe’s quick, easy, healthy, and family-friendly nature, fitting perfectly with PanPotPlates’ goal for adaptable weeknight meals.

Pan Or Pot Required

For this Sheet Pan Dinner, a large rimmed baking sheet is essential. It allows you to roast tender chicken thighs alongside Brussels sprouts simultaneously, enabling the flavors to meld and the glaze to caramelize perfectly.

Choose a baking sheet with at least a 1-inch rim to catch any juices or glaze during cooking. Lining it with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or lightly greasing it with olive oil will make cleanup quick and easy.

This streamlined, one-pan approach fits perfectly with PanPotPlates’ focus on hassle-free, delicious weeknight meals—no extra cookware necessary.

Cookware Size Guidance

To achieve the best results for this recipe serving 4, use a large rimmed baking sheet around 15 x 10 inches (38 x 25 cm) or larger. The rim helps keep juices contained while roasting.

Make sure the pan surface accommodates the 4 bone-in chicken thighs and 1 lb of halved Brussels sprouts in a single, even layer to ensure proper caramelization and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of roasting.

If your sheet pan is on the smaller side, consider using two pans or adjusting ingredient amounts. Avoid deep, narrow roasting dishes that limit airflow and crisping.

For best cleanup and cooking results, line the pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat before adding ingredients.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This dish is ideal as a Sheet Pan Dinner, but if you don’t have a rimmed baking sheet, consider these alternatives to maintain quick, easy, and healthy cooking:

  • Roasting Pan or Large Baking Dish: Use a rimmed roasting pan or large oven-safe baking dish that allows the chicken and veggies to lay in a single layer.
  • Cast Iron Skillet: A large cast iron skillet works great for even heat retention and caramelization, though space may be limited for roasting veggies with the chicken.
  • Broiler Pan: Useful specifically for the broiling step at the end to crisp chicken skin while allowing fat to drain.

Avoid using deep pots or slow cooker inserts, as they don’t allow proper roasting and caramelization required for the bright, zesty flavors and textures this dish delivers. These swaps keep your meal prep efficient and flavorful while aligning with PanPotPlates’ family-friendly and quick dinner philosophy.

Leftovers Quality

This Light and Zesty Sheet Pan Citrus Glazed Chicken with Brussels Sprouts stays fresh for 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Let leftovers cool to room temperature before storing to preserve flavors.

For longer storage, freeze portions tightly wrapped or in freezer-safe containers for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to preserve crispiness, or microwave covered in short intervals, stirring the Brussels sprouts midway.

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping healthy, family-friendly weeknight dinners that don’t compromise on taste or texture the next day.

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