Easy Sheet Pan Dinner With Chicken

Name: Easy Sheet Pan Dinner With Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on; 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Highlighted under: Quick Fix Dishes

I love making this Easy Sheet Pan Dinner with Chicken because it combines simplicity and flavor in just one tray. The tender chicken thighs bake to perfection alongside vibrant vegetables, and clean-up is a breeze. It’s one of those meals that keeps everyone smiling at the dinner table, especially on busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish has become a family favorite. Trust me, it’s hard to go wrong with all that deliciousness nestled together on a single pan!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:49:36.492Z

When I first tried this sheet pan dinner, I was amazed by how easily the flavors came together. The chicken absorbs the seasonings while the vegetables roast, grabbing all that deliciousness. I love using seasonal veggies like bell peppers and zucchini, which add a splash of color and freshness to the dish. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully!

I discovered that lining the pan with parchment paper makes for even easier clean-up, allowing for more time to enjoy the meal with family. This recipe is sure to impress, yet it remains unbelievably simple to create.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Simple and quick preparation with minimal mess
Deliciously tender chicken infused with savory flavors
Versatile recipe that accommodates seasonal vegetables

Maximizing Flavor and Texture

To enhance the flavor and texture of your chicken thighs, consider marinating them for a couple of hours in the olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika mix before cooking. This extra step helps the seasonings penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a richer taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the marinade for brightness, which complements the savory elements beautifully.

The use of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is crucial for achieving that juicy and tender texture. The skin crisps up nicely when exposed to high heat, adding texture contrast to the tender meat. If you prefer lower fat, you can opt for skinless thighs, but be aware they might cook faster, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid dryness.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The versatility of this sheet pan dinner allows you to use a variety of seasonal vegetables. While bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots are excellent choices, you can also experiment with broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, aiming for a balance between tougher and softer veggies to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

If you happen to have leftover vegetables in your fridge, feel free to incorporate them into this dish. Just remember that denser vegetables like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts may need a little pre-cooking while more delicate options, such as spinach, can be added in the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Chicken Dinner

4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Prepare Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, mixed vegetables, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and vegetables are well coated.

Arrange on Sheet Pan

Place the seasoned chicken and vegetables onto the prepared sheet pan, spreading them out into a single layer.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.

Serve

Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of lemon juice and herbs for at least an hour before cooking. Looking to add variety? Experiment with different vegetables based on seasonal availability.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Easy Sheet Pan Dinner is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and vegetables the night before, storing them in the marinade in the fridge. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop further. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, a quick trip in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes ensures you retain that delightful crispness while warming the chicken and veggies through.

Tips for Perfect Baking

When baking, make sure that the chicken and vegetables are spread out evenly on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can result in steaming rather than roasting, which affects the texture. Use a large enough pan to maintain that essential single layer and allow space for air circulation, achieving that coveted golden-brown finish.

Keep an instant-read thermometer handy while baking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Use this tool to check several pieces, as different sizes may finish cooking at slightly different times. This ensures juicy chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables every time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.

→ What vegetables work well in this recipe?

You can use any seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes. Just cut them to similar sizes for even cooking.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and vegetables the night before and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.