There's something so wonderfully cozy about a meal that fills your kitchen with aroma and your table with vibrant colors. This Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe is exactly that — simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dinners I keep coming back to when I want comfort without fuss.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I get excited every time I make this sheet pan chicken and roasted vegetables recipe because it feels like a cheat meal that’s actually wholesome—and the clean-up is a breeze! The combination of crispy chicken skin and caramelized veggies hits all the right notes.
- One-pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, meaning fewer dishes and less stress.
- Balanced Flavors: The mix of sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and brussels sprouts with the savory herbs creates a beautifully rounded taste.
- Customizable: You can swap in almost any vegetables or seasonings to suit your mood or pantry.
- Perfect for Weeknights or Guests: It’s impressive enough for company, yet easy enough for a busy evening.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe comes from using ingredients that complement each other both in taste and cooking time. I find that combining starchy potatoes with colorful veggies and fragrant herbs really makes the dish pop. Choosing quality chicken and fresh veggies definitely helps the flavors shine.
- Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness and soft texture that contrasts with crispy chicken skin.
- Yukon or Red Potatoes: These hold their shape well when roasted, providing a hearty base to the meal.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brightens the dish with a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
- Onion (Red or Yellow): Caramelizes beautifully, adding depth and subtle sweetness.
- Brussels Sprouts: Their tiny leaves crisp up nicely and add a hint of springtime freshness.
- Olive Oil: Ensures everything crisps up nicely and keeps the chicken moist.
- Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic: Adds that irresistible garlicky kick without overpowering.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy with these.
- Dried Thyme, Rosemary, or Oregano: These herbs bring a woodsy, aromatic layer of flavor.
- Lemon Zest (optional): Adds a bright, zesty lift that cuts through the richness.
- Chicken (Whole or Pieces): I love buying kosher chicken for extra juiciness thanks to the brining.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and gorgeous color to the chicken skin.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the veggies based on what’s in my fridge or swap herbs to change up the flavors without complicating the process.
- Vegetable Swaps: I’ve used asparagus, carrots, or cauliflower instead of brussels sprouts. Each brings a unique twist.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the chicken rub is a game changer.
- Make It Lighter: Try skinless chicken breasts and boost with extra lemon zest and herbs when you want less fat.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage tossed at the end give a fragrant finishing touch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Set the Scene with Heat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to a hot 425°F (218°C). I always line my sheet pan with foil and give it a good spray of oil — trust me, clean-up gets so much easier this way. If you’re in mood to be extra fancy, parchment will work too — just keep an eye out for any sogginess around wetter veggies.
Step 2: Toss the Veggies with Love
Dump your chopped sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and brussels sprouts into a big bowl. Sprinkle them generously with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and your chosen dried herbs. Give everything a nice toss so all those flavors start mingling. Tip: drying your veggies properly before tossing helps them roast rather than steam.
Step 3: Spice and Shine Your Chicken
Pat your chicken dry—this step is a subtle secret to crispier skin. Mix olive oil with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, then rub it all over the chicken, including carefully under the skin. When I do this, I pretend I’m massaging flavor directly into the meat—makes me feel like a kitchen pro! Placing the chicken on top of the veggies helps the juices drip and flavor everything.
Step 4: Roast and Rest for Perfection
Pop the sheet pan into your oven. For whole chickens, roast 55 to 75 minutes until the thickest part hits 160°F internal temperature. Pieces usually take about 30 to 40 minutes. After roasting, I let the chicken rest under foil for 20 minutes to reabsorb juices—don’t skip this or you’ll lose that tender magic. Meanwhile, give the veggies a stir and return them to the oven for a bit longer to get that perfect caramelized finish. Pro tip: if you’re short on patience like me, crank the oven to 450°F to speed things up.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Carve your chicken into portions and transfer everything to a serving platter. Sometimes I drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top or serve with a pan gravy for an extra comforting touch. Trust me, this is when your family or friends will ask for seconds.
Top Tip
I’ve made this dish dozens of times, and here are the tips that really make it shine and help you avoid the pitfalls I hit along the way.
- Dry Chicken Skin: Patting your chicken dry before rubbing with oil is what guarantees crispy, golden skin every time.
- Even Veggie Sizes: Cutting your vegetables into similar-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and finish together.
- Rest the Chicken: Giving the meat 20 minutes to rest makes it juicier and easier to carve – I learned this the hard way!
- Hot Oven, Don’t Crowd: A hot oven and plenty of space on the sheet pan ensures roasting instead of steaming.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I typically finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a bit of lemon zest for brightness. Sometimes, a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze or a dollop of creamy yogurt works wonders to balance out the richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a full meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a light green salad or a crusty baguette to mop up any pan juices. If I’m feeling indulgent, some garlicky mashed potatoes on the side are simply divine.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the roasted veggies in color blocks on the platter, nestle the carved chicken in the center, and scatter edible flowers or microgreens on top. It’s an easy way to make this humble dish look incredible on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this sheet pan chicken and roasted vegetables recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store the chicken and veggies together to soak up the flavors, but you can keep them separate if preferred.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked chicken pieces from this recipe successfully in freezer-safe containers. The veggies tend to squash down a bit after thawing, so I usually fresh roast more veggies when I want that crispness. Just make sure to cool everything before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven at around 350°F (175°C) to keep the chicken skin somewhat crispy, tossing the veggies occasionally. The microwave works in a pinch but can turn everything a bit soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can use boneless or bone-in chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overdone—start checking around 25 minutes. Remember to pat dry and rub with the seasoning mix for flavor.
You can swap brussels sprouts with broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or cauliflower. Just choose veggies with similar roasting times or add tougher veggies earlier than delicate ones to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
Yes, resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat moist and juicy. If you skip this step, the chicken tends to be drier, which is especially noticeable with breasts.
Make sure the veggies are cut into even, bite-sized pieces and tossed well with oil. Don't overcrowd the sheet pan; give veggies enough space to roast and caramelize. Also, patting them dry before tossing can reduce excess moisture that leads to sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe is one of those trusted staples in my kitchen. It’s effortless yet satisfying, and it always feels a little special even on the busiest nights. I love how the veggies soak up all the juices and herbs, and the crispy chicken makes it pure comfort food. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—it really feels like sharing a little kitchen love across the miles.
Print
Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables recipe offers a comforting, wholesome family dinner with tender, flavorful chicken paired with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, potatoes, brussels sprouts, and bell peppers. Easy to prepare and cooked all on one pan, it simplifies dinner without sacrificing taste, featuring a blend of aromatic herbs and vibrant veggies.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound sweet potato, peeled, cut into 2 inch pieces (about 1 large)
- 1 pound Yukon or red potatoes, washed, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces (about 2 potatoes)
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored and seeded, cut into 2 inch pieces
- ½ large onion, peeled, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 15 brussels sprouts, outer leaves removed, cut in half
Vegetable Seasoning
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
Chicken
- 3 ½ to 4 pounds chicken (kosher, already brined recommended)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray well with oil spray for easy cleanup. Alternatively, you may use parchment paper, though it may get soggy.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, Yukon or red potatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and brussels sprouts. Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried herbs, and lemon zest if using. Toss well to coat all vegetables evenly. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, including gently lifting the skin to rub some underneath without tearing it. Place the chicken skin side up (or breast side up if using a whole chicken) on top of the vegetables on the sheet pan.
- Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Roast whole chicken for about 55 to 75 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 160°F. For chicken pieces, roast for 30 to 40 minutes until done. Once chicken is cooked, transfer to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil to rest for 20 minutes. While resting, stir the vegetables and return the pan to the oven for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. To speed up vegetable roasting, increase oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) during this last stage if desired. Optionally, prepare gravy for serving.
- Finish and Serve: Cut the rested whole chicken into 4 to 8 pieces if necessary. Transfer chicken and roasted vegetables to a serving platter. Serve with gravy or your preferred condiment.
Notes
- Use any vegetables you prefer or have on hand; brussels sprouts can be replaced with carrots, green beans, or zucchini.
- If using skinless chicken pieces, increase olive oil slightly to keep meat moist.
- For extra flavor, rub lemon zest into chicken skin along with spices.
- For gravy, use pan drippings combined with flour and chicken stock, simmered until thickened.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the pan so vegetables roast evenly and brown nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 704 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 524 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 143 mg
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