This recipe for Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Broccoli is a one-pan dinner that's nourishing, easy and has minimal clean up. Smoked paprika and turmeric bring earthy depth while lemon juice and parsley add a balancing freshness. Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free.
A Healthy One-Pan Dinner for Busy Weeknights
When you've had a long day, cooking dinner can sometimes seem like an impossible task and it's tempting to just get take-out. But this recipe is so easy and customizable, it's something I turn to on those nights instead. It's an all-in-one situation with healthy carbs, lean protein and greens all roasted together to create a wholesome, balanced meal with minimal prep. This method cuts down on clean-up, too, which is always a welcome bonus!
Jump to:
Ingredients and Substitutions
Chicken breasts or thighs - Boneless, skinless chicken is what I use here for ease. You can use bone-in, skin-on but it'll take longer to cook.
Sweet potatoes - You can prep fresh sweet potatoes yourself or speed up prep by using frozen, cubed sweet potatoes (no need to thaw).
Broccoli florets - I find fresh broccoli has the best texture but frozen also works here.
Olive oil - A touch of this healthy fat adds a delicious flavor and also helps the chicken and vegetables to brown properly in the oven. Avocado oil also works well.
Smoked paprika - Adds a savory, smoky note to the dish. Make sure you're using sweet smoked, not hot smoked paprika.
Garlic powder - I use garlic powder for ease but also find it fares better in the oven than crushed, fresh garlic (which can burn more easily).
Ground turmeric - Adds a bright color to the dish but also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemon wedges, parsley, flaky salt - Optional garnishes to serve with the dish for some fresh flavor.
Sea salt and black pepper
How to Make Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Broccoli
Before you start: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
Step 1: Add sweet potatoes to the sheet pan. Toss with 1½ tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.
Step 2: While the sweet potatoes roast, pat the chicken dry. Toss in a medium bowl with remaining olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric (if using), remaining salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Remove the pan from the oven. Push sweet potatoes to one side, add chicken and broccoli to the pan, spreading everything out in an even layer.
Step 4: Return to the oven and roast for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender with crisp edges.
Variations
It's easy to make changes depending on what's in season or what you have on hand.
- Add a couple of peeled red onions, sliced into eighths to the tray when you add the chicken.
- Swap the broccoli florets for cauliflower.
- Replace the sweet potato with peeled, diced butternut squash for a lower carb option.
- Add fresh, woody herbs like thyme or rosemary leaves to the seasoning mix you rub over the chicken.
Recipe tips
- You can use a digital meat probe to check the chicken for doneness. The thickest part of the meat should be at 165°F when it's fully cooked.
- After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 15 minutes, give them all a flip over before pushing to one side as this will help them brown more evenly.
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning it will help to remove excess moisture, ensuring it browns nicely in the oven.
- Chicken thighs are more forgiving if you over-roast them as they remain juicy to a higher temperature than chicken breast.
- Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper reduces clean up time significantly! However if you don't have any, you can use an un-lined tray.
Serving suggestions
While this recipe is perfect as a complete meal, you can always add some extra sides if you like!
- Serve over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa.
- For more greens, serve with this tomato kiwi salad.
- Want a lower carb option? Serve this mashed potato squash on the side.
- Roast up some carrots and zucchini alongside to add more vegetables to your plate.
- Top with a dollop of dairy-free coconut yogurt for some creamy freshness.
More Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Recipes
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (or 1 large) peeled and cubed (¾-1 inch)
- 3-4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric optional
- ¾ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for serving:
- lemon wedges, fresh parsley, flaky salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Add sweet potatoes to the sheet pan. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.
- While the sweet potatoes roast, pat the chicken dry. Toss in a medium bowl with remaining olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric (if using), remaining salt, and pepper.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Push sweet potatoes to one side, add chicken and broccoli to the pan, spreading everything out in an even layer. Drizzle remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil over the broccoli and season with salt and pepper.
- Return to the oven and roast for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender with crisp edges.
- Squeeze fresh lemon over everything, sprinkle with parsley or flaky salt if desired, and serve warm.
Belinda
We all loved this! But my veggie lovin' men (husband and 2 adult sons) decided that we'll double the veggies next time. The chicken is amazing. I feared that all that smoked paprika would make it too spicy for my husband, but it wasn't. The chicken is so moist with this method. Thanks!
Tessa
Thank you, Belinda! That is great to hear. And extra veggies is a great note! :)