This Sheet Pan Barbecue Chicken Dinner is a perfect solution for a weeknight meal. It’s a hearty and delicious dish featuring juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and flavorful seasoning all cooked together on one pan. Easy to prepare and clean up, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8-10 small red potatoes, quartered
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large zucchini, quartered and sliced into chunks
- 4 ears corn, shucked
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce of choice
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake, providing an even cooking environment.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, cumin, and salt. Mix well.
- This blend of spices will add a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken and vegetables.
Step 3: Season the Chicken and Vegetables
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the prepared seasoning mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Using olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and adds moisture.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the red potatoes, bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini. Drizzle with olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Drizzling with olive oil and seasoning the vegetables enhances their natural flavors and ensures even roasting.
Step 4: Arrange on the Sheet Pan
- Arrange Chicken and Vegetables: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on one side of the sheet pan. Spread the seasoned vegetables around the chicken.
- Keeping the chicken and vegetables separate ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding.
- Add Corn: Place the shucked corn on the sheet pan. Brush the melted butter over the corn, and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Butter adds a delicious flavor and helps the corn caramelize slightly.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Baking at a high temperature ensures the chicken remains juicy while the vegetables get nicely roasted.
- Baste Chicken: About 10 minutes before the chicken is done, brush the barbecue sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Brushing with barbecue sauce near the end of cooking prevents it from burning while still allowing it to caramelize and develop a rich flavor.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve: Once done, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve the chicken and vegetables hot.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a burst of color and flavor to the dish.
Cooking Tips
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or cherry tomatoes based on your preference.
- Uniform Sizes: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Salad: Pair this dish with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra barbecue sauce and juices.
- Dipping Sauce: Offer additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
This Sheet Pan Barbecue Chicken Dinner is not only delicious but also convenient, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. The combination of seasoned chicken, roasted vegetables, and sweet corn creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this easy sheet pan recipe!
