There’s something deeply comforting about a one-pan dinner that delivers bold flavors and minimal mess. This Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is one of my ultimate go-tos when I want a hearty, satisfying meal without standing over the stove. Crisp chicken skin, tender roasted veggies, and fragrant herbs all in one tray—magic!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first made this sheet pan roast chicken and vegetables recipe on a busy weeknight and instantly fell in love. It’s incredibly straightforward, and the flavors meld beautifully as the chicken juices mingle with the roasted vegetables. You don’t need to be a seasoned cook to nail this!
- Minimal Cleanup: Using just one sheet pan means fewer dishes—and who doesn’t want that?
- Balanced Meal in One Tray: Protein and veggies roast together, letting you get dinner on the table fast.
- Customizable: You can swap out veggies or herbs based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
- Guaranteed Juicy Chicken & Crispy Veggies: The high oven temperature locks in moisture while roasting the veggies perfectly.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe combines hearty root vegetables with tender, juicy chicken, all enhanced by fragrant herbs and a touch of lemon zest. Each ingredient complements the others, creating layers of flavor and a satisfying texture contrast. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and firm, blemish-free vegetables for the best results.
- Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness and softens beautifully when roasted.
- Yukon or Red Potatoes: These hold their shape well and develop a lovely crispy exterior.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings a pop of color and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Onion (Red or Yellow): Roasts to caramelized sweetness that balances savory notes.
- Brussels Sprouts: Their edges crisp up nicely and offer a slightly nutty taste.
- Olive Oil: Essential for roasting and bringing all flavors together.
- Garlic Powder or Fresh Garlic: Adds depth of flavor with a mild pungency.
- Dried Thyme, Rosemary or Oregano: These aromatic herbs infuse the chicken and veggies with earthy, savory notes.
- Lemon Zest (Optional): Brightens the overall dish with a fresh citrus aroma.
- Chicken (Whole or Pieces): The star protein—choosing a kosher or brined chicken really enhances moisture and seasoning.
- Paprika (or Smoked Paprika): Adds warmth and a touch of smoky depth.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
Make It Your Way
I love changing up the herbs depending on my mood or the season. Sometimes I swap the thyme for fresh rosemary or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Feel free to tailor this sheet pan roast chicken and vegetables recipe to what excites your palate!
- Variation: For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and cherry tomatoes halfway through roasting—they bring a burst of color and tanginess.
- Dietary: Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer leaner meat, but keep in mind the skin adds key flavor and crisp.
- Seasonal: Swap Brussels sprouts for asparagus or green beans when they’re fresh and in season for a lighter take.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet Pan
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). I always line my rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it well with oil spray—that little step makes cleanup so much easier (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!). You can use parchment paper, but it sometimes gets soggy with the veggie juices.
Step 2: Toss and Season the Vegetables
In a large bowl, add your chopped sweet potatoes, Yukon or red potatoes, red bell pepper, onions, and halved Brussels sprouts. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and if you like, a zest of lemon to brighten everything. Make sure each piece is evenly coated to get that beautiful roasted color.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry with paper towels—that step helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Mix olive oil with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently lift the skin (without tearing it) and rub some of the seasoning underneath—that’s where so much flavor hides. Then rub the rest all over the skin. This is key for juicy, flavorful chicken.
Step 4: Layer and Roast
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan. Nestle the chicken skin-side up right on top. Roast in your hot oven. For a whole chicken, count on about 55-75 minutes until an instant-read thermometer hits 160°F in the breast. Chicken pieces usually take 30-40 minutes. Remember, the juices run clear when it’s ready!
Step 5: Rest Chicken and Finish Vegetables
Take the chicken off the pan and cover loosely with foil to rest for about 20 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. While the chicken rests, stir the vegetables and pop them back in the oven for 10-20 more minutes to get them extra crispy. If you’re impatient like me, crank the oven up to 450°F during this last step!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Cut your chicken into serving pieces if using a whole bird, and transfer everything to a platter. If you want to go the extra mile, making a quick gravy from the pan drippings is a lovely touch. Serve it all up and get ready for the compliments!
Top Tip
One thing I’ve learned from making this sheet pan roast chicken and vegetables recipe again and again is that the key to crispy chicken skin is drying the chicken really well and getting the oven hot enough from the get-go.
- Dry the Chicken: Always pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning to prevent soggy skin.
- Under the Skin Seasoning: Sliding the seasoning mix under the skin infuses the meat with deep flavor.
- High Heat Roasting: Roasting at 425°F helps crisp skin while keeping meat juicy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Rest the chicken to let juices redistribute—otherwise, your meat will be dry.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped thyme for a bright, herbal note. Sometimes a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the roasted flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is so filling on its own but if you want to add something extra, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some crusty bread to sop up the juices works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged the chicken pieces on a beautiful platter surrounded by the roasted veggies, garnished with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs. It makes the meal feel festive without much extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they happily keep up to 3 days. When reheating, the veggies can get a little softer but still taste delicious.
Freezing
While I usually enjoy this fresh, I have frozen leftovers once. Wrap the chicken and veggies tightly in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the chicken skin from turning soggy, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes instead of the microwave. This helps refresh the crispiness and warms everything evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the roasting time to about 30-40 minutes, depending on their size, and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
No problem! You can swap Brussels sprouts for broccoli florets, green beans, or carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable's density.
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone. It should read 160°F since the chicken will continue to cook slightly while resting. The juices should run clear when pierced.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that any added seasonings or gravies don't contain gluten. Using simple herbs and spices keeps it safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This sheet pan roast chicken and vegetables recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and genuinely delicious—everything you want from a home-cooked meal. Give it a try and see how simple ingredients turn into a feast you’ll keep coming back to.
Print
Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sheet Pan Chicken and Roasted Vegetables recipe delivers a wholesome and comforting family dinner. Tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with a medley of roasted sweet potatoes, Yukon or red potatoes, bell peppers, onion, and Brussels sprouts, all seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices. The one-pan method simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it an ideal hearty meal for any night.
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
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 pounds chicken (whole or pieces, preferably kosher)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with oil spray for easy cleanup, or use parchment paper noting it may become soggy.
- Prepare vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, Yukon or red potatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and lemon zest if using. Toss 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 the mixture all over the chicken, including gently lifting the skin to rub beneath it without tearing. Place the chicken skin-side up on top of the vegetables.
- Roast chicken and vegetables: Put the sheet pan in the oven and roast. For whole chicken, roast for 55 to 75 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the breast reaches 160°F. For chicken pieces, roast for 30 to 40 minutes until done. Remove the chicken and transfer it to a cutting board, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes. Stir the vegetables and return them to the oven for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. For faster finishing, increase oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) to crisp the vegetables.
- Finish and serve: Carve the chicken into 4 to 8 pieces if using whole chicken. Transfer the roasted vegetables and chicken to a serving platter. Serve with optional gravy or your favorite condiment.
Notes
- Use your favorite seasonal vegetables as a substitute or addition to the Brussels sprouts.
- If using a whole chicken, ensure it’s fully thawed and dry for best roasting results.
- For garlic flavor, fresh garlic can substitute garlic powder; adjust amount accordingly.
- Make a homemade gravy using pan drippings if desired for added flavor and moisture.
- To crisp vegetables faster after chicken removal, raise oven temperature to 450°F and cook for 10 minutes.
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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