Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan
Easy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad is a crispy, fresh, and cozy dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts every time. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Red Velvet Brownies with White Chocolate Drizzle and Easy Twix Cookie Bars with Caramel and Chocolate.
Why This Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy Brussels sprouts with a hint of sweetness
- Tender chicken breast cooked to perfection
- Creamy Parmesan dressing that ties it all together
- A satisfying, hearty salad that's perfect for busy weeknights
What You'll Need for Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Brussels sprouts
- Chicken breast
- Cranberries
- Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup
- Optional: Pecans
- Optional: Red onion
- Optional: Dried cranberries
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Brussels sprouts: Trim and halve any large sprouts.
- Chicken breast: Thinly slice for even cooking.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Saves time and ensures even slicing of Brussels sprouts. → See on Amazon
- Cast iron skillet — Distributes heat evenly for perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: Trim and halve any large Brussels sprouts. Thinly slice chicken breast.
- Cook chicken: Cook chicken breast in a skillet until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Brussels sprouts: Add halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet. Cook until crispy and caramelized.
- Make dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: Toss cooked chicken, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and dressing. Top with Parmesan and serve.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking can make Brussels sprouts mushy. To prevent, keep an eye on them and remove from heat when they're still slightly firm and crispy.
- Pro tip: For a quicker meal, use leftover cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Pro tip: To make this salad ahead, prepare the dressing and store it separately. Toss just before serving to keep the Brussels sprouts crispy.
Storing & Reheating Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dressing and slice the chicken and Brussels sprouts up to a day ahead.
Freezing Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan
Not recommended for this dish.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Kale or broccoli can be used as a substitute for Brussels sprouts.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and slice the chicken and Brussels sprouts up to a day ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If your Brussels sprouts are not crisping, try increasing the heat or adding a bit more oil.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality balsamic vinegar — Enhances the flavor of the dressing and adds depth to the dish. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts
- Chicken breast
- Cranberries
- Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup
Optional Toppings
- Pecans
- Red onion
- Dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: Trim and halve any large Brussels sprouts. Thinly slice chicken breast.
- Cook chicken: Cook chicken breast in a skillet until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Brussels sprouts: Add halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet. Cook until crispy and caramelized.
- Make dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble salad: Toss cooked chicken, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and dressing. Top with Parmesan and serve.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Kale or broccoli can be used as a substitute for Brussels sprouts.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and slice the chicken and Brussels sprouts up to a day ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If your Brussels sprouts are not crisping, try increasing the heat or adding a bit more oil.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this dish.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the dressing and slice the chicken and Brussels sprouts up to a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan FAQs
Yes, prepare the dressing and slice the chicken and Brussels sprouts up to a day ahead. Toss just before serving to keep the Brussels sprouts crispy.
Overcooking can make Brussels sprouts mushy. To prevent, keep an eye on them and remove from heat when they're still slightly firm and crispy.
Yes, but they may not be as crispy as fresh ones. Thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Nutritional yeast can be used as a dairy-free substitute for Parmesan cheese.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crispy Chicken Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
