Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes & Broccolini
Learn how to make chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, and broccolini using a sheet pan. An easy weeknight dinner that’s perfect for busy schedules!
The sheet-pan meal is a culinary marvel, simplifying the dinner prep process without compromising on flavor. There is something delightful about this Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes & Broccolini dish. A single sheet pan serves as the basis for this delicious recipe, combining succulent chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, and broccolini.
The simplicity and delicious outcome of this recipe will surely impress busy parents and cooking enthusiasts exploring new flavors. Let’s take a look at how to create this delicious and wholesome dinner that will become a favorite.
Ingredients
- Trimmed of excess fat, four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 ounces)
- Sweet potato cubed and peeled (about 16 ounces) 3 1/2 cups
- Ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon
- Cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt, divided into two teaspoons
- In two equal parts, take 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- Olive oil, divided into 4 teaspoons
- Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, 1 bunch broccolini
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice, one tablespoon
- Greek yogurt, plain, 1/2 cup
- Honey, two teaspoons
How to Make Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes & Broccolini
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C) with a rack in the middle for even cooking. Stack all ingredients on a large-rimmed baking sheet to avoid crowding.
Step 2: Marinate and Arrange
Combine the chicken thighs, sweet potato cubes, two tablespoons of olive oil, a tablespoon of harissa paste (or your favorite marinade), 12 teaspoons salt, and cumin in a large bowl. Stir everything together until the flavorful mixture is evenly distributed. For maximum crispness, arrange chicken thighs with skin facing up in each corner of the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Roast the Broccolini
Fold the aluminum foil into a sealed packet to steam the broccolini while roasting, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the foil packet with the chicken and sweet potatoes on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake Until cooked through
When the thigh is 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, place the entire baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spread ¼ cup of plain yogurt onto each serving plate. Each chicken thigh should be transferred carefully to a plate. After opening the foil packet, the broccolini should be added to the sweet potato mixture on the baking sheet. Mix honey, the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of harissa paste, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to create a sauce in a small bowl. Spoon the sweet potato and broccolini mixture alongside the chicken onto each plate, then drizzle the sauce. Drizzle any remaining pan drippings from the baking sheet to give the chicken an extra touch.
Variations and Twists on Sheet-Pan Chicken
Try adding various herbs and spices or using different types of flour to create delicious and unique sheet-pan chicken dishes.
- Herb Infusion: Herb-infused oil flavors made with fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage. If you wish to do this, simply heat oil and add your preferred herb, allowing it to infuse for a few hours.
- Spice Blend: This blend combines smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder for an earthy, smoky flavor. For a more personalized experience, adjust the ratios to suit your taste.
- Citrus Zest: Grate lemon or orange zest over chicken and vegetables before roasting them. Your meal will be refreshed and flavored with citrusy aromas and flavors.
- Mediterranean Fusion: Toss olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese into the pan before serving to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. Salty and tangy flavors combine to create a delicious combination.
- Asian Influence: Marinate your chicken in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil before roasting to infuse it with Asian flavors. The combination of umami and sweetness lends the dish a savory, savory taste.
- Tandoori Twist: Enjoy India’s vibrant flavors by marinating chicken in yogurt blended with cumin, coriander, paprika, and garam masala. Serve with fresh cilantro and lemon juice for authenticity after roasting until tender.