Roasted Cauliflower Chicken Sheet Pan (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and cauliflower roasted with aromatic spices on a single pan for an effortless dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.1 lb)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 1.3 lb)
03 - 1 medium red onion, sliced

→ Marinade & Seasonings

04 - 3 tbsp olive oil
05 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
09 - 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
10 - 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

→ For Serving

11 - 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
13 - Lemon wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
03 - Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Remove and set aside.
04 - Add cauliflower florets and sliced red onion to the remaining marinade. Toss well to coat evenly.
05 - Spread cauliflower and red onions evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Nestle chicken thighs among the vegetables.
06 - Roast for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and cauliflower is golden and tender.
07 - Prepare rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
08 - Divide rice among plates. Top with roasted chicken and vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Cleanup takes literally two minutes because everything happens on one pan
  • The spices build layers of flavor that taste like you spent hours simmering something
02 -
  • Crowding the pan will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them so use a large enough sheet pan
  • The chicken continues cooking slightly after it comes out so pull it when a thermometer reads 165°F
03 -
  • Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly so take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before starting
  • A hot sheet pan (preheated for 5 minutes) creates instant caramelization on whatever touches it first
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