Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Red Onion
In short: Smoked paprika chicken thighs roast alongside sweet potato cubes and red onion wedges until caramelized. Sweet, smoky and nearly hands-off. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 500 kcal
Sweet potatoes and chicken are natural partners on a sheet pan: the potatoes caramelize in the chicken juices and pick up the spice rub. Red onion wedges soften and sweeten, and a squeeze of lime at the end ties the smoky paprika to the sugars in the vegetables. This is a good tray to make on Sunday, since the leftovers reheat well for lunch bowls during the week.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Toss the sweet potatoes and onions on a large rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of the oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Spread in one layer.
- Roast the vegetables for 10 minutes.
- Mix the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, pepper and the remaining salt. Toss the chicken with the remaining oil and the spice mix.
- Remove the tray, stir the vegetables and push them aside. Lay the chicken on the tray in a single layer.
- Roast for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken once, until it reads 74°C (165°F) and the sweet potatoes are tender with browned edges.
- Squeeze lime over the tray, scatter with herbs and serve.
Tips
- Cut the sweet potato cubes the same size, and no bigger than 2 cm, or the centers stay hard while the outsides brown.
- For meal prep, cool the tray, divide it among 4 containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add a handful of spinach when reheating.
Questions and answers
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Cut the breasts into 3 cm (1 inch) chunks and add them for the last 15 minutes so they stay moist.
How do I stop the sweet potatoes from going soggy?
Use a hot oven, give the pieces space on the tray and do not cover it. A crowded tray steams instead of roasting.
Is this chicken spicy?
No. Smoked paprika adds depth without heat. Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
How long does it take to make Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Red Onion?
About 50 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes and Red Onion?
About 500 kcal per serving, with 37 g of protein, 42 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 500 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
