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Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting yet fresh dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet recipe is absolutely for you. I first stumbled upon this combo because I had a bunch of brussels sprouts begging for attention and some chicken tenders in the fridge—what came out of that little experiment quickly became a family favorite. The blend of crispy bacon, caramelized brussels, tender chicken, and a luscious creamy mustard sauce hits all the right notes, making it a perfect midweek win.

What I love most about this Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet recipe is how easy it is to pull together, but you still end up with a dish that feels special and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances rich flavors with fresh, slightly crisp veggies. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that keeps well, so you can enjoy leftovers that taste just as good!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Flavor Harmony: Crispy bacon and caramelized brussels bring a smoky, slightly sweet crunch that complements the creamy mustard sauce perfectly.
  • Simple Techniques: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and consistent flavors mingling beautifully.
  • Quick Midweek Meal: With just 10 minutes prep and about 25 minutes cook time, it’s fast enough to fit busy schedules but still feels like a treat.
  • Versatile & Filling: The dish works for a cozy weeknight supper or a casual get-together, serving 4 to 6 hungry people with ease.
The image shows a black skillet filled with four golden-brown cooked chicken pieces, each seasoned with pepper and bits of crispy dark red bacon scattered on top. Around the chicken, there are halved Brussels sprouts in bright green with some charred edges. The bottom of the skillet has a creamy light tan sauce with specks of pepper, pooling unevenly under the chicken and vegetables. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth partially visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe plays a clear role—bringing balanced texture, flavor, and a creamy finish that elevates the entire dish. When shopping, I always look for fresh chicken tenders and firm brussels sprouts to get that perfect bite every time.

  • Bacon: Adds smoky crispiness and fat that flavors the entire dish.
  • Brussels Sprouts: They caramelize beautifully and add a slightly nutty crunch.
  • Chicken Tenders: Quick-cooking and tender, perfect for creamy skillet dishes.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and adds a fruity richness without overpowering.
  • Garlic: Gives the sauce aromatic depth and savory warmth.
  • White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity to balance the creaminess.
  • Chicken Stock: Builds a base for the sauce while keeping flavors rounded.
  • Cream: Brings luxurious texture and smoothness.
  • Whole Grain Mustard: Adds tang and a bit of zing that cuts through the richness.
  • Kosher Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the elements together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I often play around with the Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving. It’s so easy to customize — trust me, that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to it!

  • Add Heat: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give it a bit of a kick.
  • Swap the Protein: I’ve used chicken thighs instead of tenders for juicier meat, or even turkey bacon for a leaner version.
  • Green Swap: If brussels aren’t your favorite, kale or broccolini work surprisingly well in this recipe.
  • Dairy-Free: Try substituting the cream with coconut milk and skip the mustard for a different but delicious twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Crisp That Bacon Just Right

Start by cooking your chopped bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s perfectly crispy. The rendered fat is your secret weapon here, as it flavors both the brussels sprouts and the sauce later. Drain the bacon on paper towels, but keep that bacon fat in the pan—don’t wipe it out!

Step 2: Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts

Pop the halved brussels sprouts into the skillet with the bacon fat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes so one side gets beautifully caramelized. That little bit of char adds incredible flavor. Then toss and transfer them to a bowl so they don’t overcook.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Tenders

Add a splash of olive oil to the pan, then season the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden, flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. They should still be juicy and slightly pink in the center. Remove them and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Toss minced or pasted garlic in the skillet, cooking until fragrant and golden. Quickly deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Let the wine reduce until it’s almost gone, then pour in chicken stock, cream, and whole grain mustard. Stir well and simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken tenders to the pan, scatter the caramelized brussels sprouts and crispy bacon on top, and gently toss everything in the heavenly creamy sauce. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes, then serve immediately. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat: Use the rendered bacon fat for cooking the brussels sprouts—it’s the key to deep, smoky flavor and caramelization.
  • Get a Good Sear on the Chicken: Pat your chicken dry before seasoning to ensure it browns nicely without steaming.
  • Deglaze Well: Scrape up those browned bits when adding white wine – they’re packed with flavor and build your sauce’s richness.
  • Adjust Cream Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little reserved chicken stock to loosen it without losing creaminess.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe

A close-up image shows three golden brown cooked chicken pieces in a pan with some green brussels sprouts scattered around. A silver spoon held by a woman's hand is pouring a creamy light beige sauce with black pepper specks over the chicken in the center. The chicken pieces have a slightly shiny, moist texture with small bits of crispy bacon on top. The background shows a black pan and the whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives—adds a pop of green and a fresh herby note that brightens up the richness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan never hurts either, especially if you’re craving a cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple side like crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes is fantastic for soaking up that luscious sauce. I also love a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette—it cuts through the cream beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated the chicken and brussels over a bed of buttery polenta or served it family-style straight from the skillet at the table—nothing beats everyone piling on seconds straight from the pan!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully without losing creaminess.

Freezing

I have frozen this dish a couple of times with good results—just be sure to cool it completely and use a freezer-friendly container. When thawed, the texture of the brussels softens a bit, but the flavors remain delightful.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of stock or cream to bring it back to that silky consistency.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen brussels sprouts for this recipe?

    While fresh brussels sprouts give the best texture and flavor in this Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe, you can use frozen if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry well to avoid excess moisture, which could prevent caramelization.

  2. What can I substitute for chicken tenders?

    Chicken thighs or even boneless skinless breasts work great as substitutes. Just adjust cooking time slightly—thighs need a bit longer to cook through, and breasts can dry out if overcooked, so watch closely.

  3. Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?

    The white wine adds nice acidity and flavor depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with extra chicken stock and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

  4. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

    Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the mustard or use a mustard powder blend without additives. This will keep the silky texture without dairy.

  5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

    You can prep components like crisping the bacon and cutting the brussels sprouts a day ahead, then finish cooking just before serving. The sauce is best made fresh, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for easy next-day meals.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want a homey, flavorful meal that doesn’t require fuss, but still feels like I went the extra mile. It’s balanced, comforting, and has layers of flavor that your whole family will love. Honestly, once you try it, I bet you’ll find yourself craving it again and again—just like I do. Give it a whirl and enjoy the magic of easy, cozy cooking with a twist!

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Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Creamy Chicken Brussels Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken tenders, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and crispy bacon all tossed in a rich, creamy mustard sauce. Perfect for a comforting and easy dinner that serves 4 to 6 people.

Ingredients

Meats and Vegetables

  • 8 oz. thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 lb. chicken tenders

Other Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, pasted
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 2/3 cup cream
  • 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Season chicken tenders evenly with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
  2. Cook the bacon: In a cast iron pan or skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
  3. Caramelize Brussels sprouts: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the bacon fat, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Spread them evenly in the pan and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until one side is caramelized, then remove to a bowl.
  4. Sauté chicken tenders: Add olive oil to the skillet, then place the seasoned chicken tenders in the pan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  5. Cook garlic and deglaze: Add the pasted garlic cloves to the skillet and cook until golden and fragrant. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until the wine has reduced.
  6. Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the chicken stock, cream, and whole grain mustard. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce by half, until it thickly coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken tenders to the pan along with the caramelized Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon. Toss everything gently in the creamy sauce to combine and heat through before serving.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut bacon for more flavor and crispiness.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • If white wine is unavailable, use extra chicken stock with a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
  • For extra texture, sprinkle toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the finished dish.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken stock and mustard do not contain gluten additives.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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