Nothing beats the cozy aroma of a perfectly roasted chicken paired with caramelized vegetables filling your kitchen. This Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe is that magical meal that's both comforting and fuss-free, perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This sheet pan dinner has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s downright simple but delivers on flavor and satisfaction every single time. What’s not to love about throwing everything on one pan and ending up with juicy chicken and perfectly roasted veggies?
- One-pan simplicity: You can prep, cook, and clean up quickly – all in one sheet pan.
- Balanced nutrition: Protein and a colorful variety of veggies come together for a complete meal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or spices based on what you have or what you love.
- Hands-off roasting: Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to relax until dinnertime.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient has its role – the potatoes and sweet potatoes create a satisfying base with earthy sweetness, while brussels sprouts and bell peppers add texture and a punch of color. The chicken shines with simple herbs and paprika that boost flavor without overpowering.
- Sweet potato: Adds natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully at high heat.
- Yukon or red potatoes: Their creamy interior contrasts nicely with the crisp skin when roasted.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a vibrant sweetness and tender bite.
- Onion (red or yellow): Provides subtle pungency and soft texture after roasting.
- Brussels sprouts: Bring a nutty flavor and hearty crunch, especially when halved.
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and develop golden edges.
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic: Infuses an irresistible savory aroma throughout.
- Herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano): These dried herbs add earthy depth that complements chicken perfectly.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a zesty, bright note that lifts the whole dish.
- Chicken: I prefer kosher chicken for that extra juiciness from the brining—and the skin crisps up so nicely.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt & pepper: Season everything perfectly to bring out the natural flavors.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. This sheet pan dinner is endlessly adaptable—you can tweak it to fit your taste or what you’ve got on hand without losing that homey, satisfying vibe.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out the brussels sprouts for asparagus or green beans, and it totally changes the flavor profile while keeping the ease intact.
- Diet-friendly: You can make it paleo or keto-friendly by skipping the potatoes and adding more low-carb veggies like cauliflower or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or use smoked paprika for a smoky kick that’s great when you’re craving a little heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prep your pan
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with foil and give it a good spray of oil or lightly brush with olive oil. This saves you from scrubbing later and helps veggies crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Toss the veggies
Next, throw all your chopped vegetables into a big bowl. Sprinkle on the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and lemon zest if using. Mix everything really well so all the pieces get nicely coated. Then spread them out evenly on the prepared pan in a single layer for even roasting.
Step 3: Season the chicken
Pat your chicken dry with paper towels—that’s a key step for crispy skin. In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mix all over your chicken, making sure to reach under the skin gently to infuse flavor deeply.
Step 4: Roast it all together
Place the chicken skin-side up right on top of the veggies on the sheet pan. Roast in your hot oven until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C)—this usually takes about 55-75 minutes for a whole bird depending on size, or 30-40 minutes for pieces. Pro tip: Use an instant-read thermometer so you don’t overcook and dry out the meat.
Step 5: Rest and finish the veggies
When the chicken’s done, transfer it to a board and cover loosely with foil to rest for 20 minutes (this keeps it juicy). Meanwhile, stir the veggies on the pan and pop them back in the oven for another 10-20 minutes to get them nicely crisped without burning. If you’re anything like me and impatient, crank the oven to 450°F (232°C) for a few minutes to speed up crisping.
Step 6: Serve and savor
Slice your chicken into portions and arrange it on a platter with the roasted veggies. If you’re feeling fancy, whip up a quick pan gravy (I often do!) or just serve it as-is with your favorite condiment. Either way, it’s a delicious, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
Top Tip
Making this Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe had its learning moments for me, and a few simple tweaks really improve the outcome. Here are some nuggets from my kitchen you can use to nail this meal every time.
- Patience with drying: I can’t stress enough how drying the chicken skin helps it crisp up like you want—skip this and you’ll get soggy skin instead.
- Veggie layering: Don’t overcrowd the pan; if veggies are piled up, they steam instead of roast and won’t caramelize nicely.
- Thermometer buddy: Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking—the timing can vary so much by chicken size and oven quirks.
- Resting matters: Let the chicken rest after roasting. It locks in the juices and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
I usually throw a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top just before serving. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few lemon slices add a bright contrast that really wakes up the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish can absolutely stand on its own, but if you want something extra, a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to mop up juices makes a fantastic pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve arranged the chicken pieces beautifully on a large white platter surrounded by roasted veggies, added edible flowers for a pop of color, and served with a side of homemade chutney. It’s simple but so impressive for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I let leftovers cool completely, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken keeps well for about 3-4 days, and the veggies remain tasty and reheat beautifully.
Freezing
I’ve frozen portions before with good results—wrap chicken and veggies tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes to warm through and help the skin crisp up a bit again. Microwave works in a pinch but tends to soften the veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible. Swap brussels sprouts for asparagus, green beans, or carrots, and use whatever you have. Just keep your vegetable pieces similarly sized for even cooking.
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast or thigh. It should read 160°F (71°C) before resting. After resting, the temperature will rise to a safe 165°F.
You can prep the veggies and chicken with seasoning up to a day ahead, then store covered in the fridge. When you're ready, just assemble on the sheet pan and roast. This saves time on busy days.
If you don't have a thermometer, roast the chicken pieces about 35-40 minutes until juices run clear when pierced and the meat is no longer pink. For whole chicken, roasting 55-75 minutes usually works, but checking frequently is key to avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe feels like such a cozy, reliable friend in the kitchen. I always come back to it when I want a delicious meal without the stress, and I think you’ll treasure it, too. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how something so simple can feel like a special occasion on your plate.
Print
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables recipe is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, juicy chicken roasted alongside a medley of flavorful vegetables. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, it combines sweet potatoes, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, and onions seasoned with herbs and spices, all cooked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound sweet potato, peeled, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 pound Yukon or red potatoes, washed, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored and seeded, cut into 2 inch pieces
- ½ large onion (or red onion), peeled, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 15 Brussels sprouts, outer leaves removed, cut in half
Seasonings for Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons 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 pounds chicken (whole or pieces, preferably kosher)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra 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 sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray with oil spray, or use parchment paper for easier cleanup, noting parchment may get soggy.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine all the vegetables and the vegetable seasoning ingredients (olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and optional lemon zest). Toss thoroughly to coat 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, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin carefully without tearing it. Place the chicken skin-side up on top of the vegetables on the sheet pan.
- Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Roast in the oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the chicken breast reads 160°F. Roast times vary: 55 to 75 minutes for a whole chicken depending on size; about 30 to 40 minutes for chicken pieces depending on size. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil to rest for 20 minutes. Stir the vegetables and return them to the oven for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. To speed this up, increase oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) to finish roasting the vegetables.
- Finish and Serve: If using a whole chicken, cut it into 4 to 8 pieces. Transfer the roasted vegetables and chicken to a serving platter. Serve with optional gravy or other preferred condiments.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetables based on preference, such as carrots, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Using a kosher chicken is recommended as they are already brined and tend to stay juicy.
- For extra flavor, lift the skin gently to rub seasonings underneath before roasting.
- If desired, prepare a gravy from pan drippings to accompany the dish.
- To speed vegetable roasting or get a crisper finish, increase oven temperature after removing the chicken.
- Ensure even cutting sizes of vegetables to promote uniform cooking.
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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