Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato
Tender chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection paired with caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato cubes. This whole30-inspired chicken (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, halved Brussels sprouts, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 12 oz, halved Brussels sprouts
- 1 medium (about 8 oz), peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces sweet potato
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 12 oz halved Brussels sprouts and 1 medium cubed sweet potato with 2 tbsp avocado oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant finish. Serve chicken alongside the roasted vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep halved brussels sprouts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, whole30, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.