Roasted Cauliflower Chicken Sheet Pan (Printable)

Seasoned chicken thighs and cauliflower florets roasted together on one pan with aromatic spices for a simple, satisfying dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, approximately 1.1 lb

→ Vegetables

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

→ Marinade & Seasonings

04 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, optional

→ For Serving

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

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes until well combined.
03 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade bowl and toss to coat evenly. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean surface.
04 - Add cauliflower florets and sliced red onion to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Toss well to ensure even coating.
05 - Spread coated cauliflower and red onions evenly across the prepared sheet pan. Nestle marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables in a single layer.
06 - Roast in the preheated 425°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cauliflower is golden with tender edges.
07 - While roasting, prepare basmati or jasmine rice according to package instructions if not already prepared.
08 - Divide cooked rice among serving plates. Top each portion with roasted chicken and vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The cleanup is so minimal you might actually look forward to doing dishes
  • Everything finishes at the same time so no juggling multiple pans
  • The spice rub creates a caramelized crust that makes humble ingredients taste restaurant worthy
02 -
  • Crowding the pan leads to steaming instead of roasting so use your largest baking sheet or split between two pans
  • Chicken thighs can handle the high heat better than breasts but if you substitute breasts check them after 20 minutes
  • Letting the pan rest for 5 minutes after roasting helps the juices redistribute
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding to the marinade for better adhesion
  • Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly than cold straight from the fridge
  • Do not skip the parchment paper cleanup will be significantly easier
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