There’s something incredibly satisfying about a one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in a flash. This Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe is one of those gems — tender, juicy chicken and perfectly roasted broccoli all cooked on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup and maximum taste.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe has saved my weeknight dinners. It's quick, flavorful, and the chicken turns out perfectly juicy every single time. Plus, roasting everything together means you get those delicious caramelized bits on both chicken and veggies.
- Effortless Cleanup: Using just one sheet pan means less mess in the kitchen — always a win!
- Big Flavor: The chipotle spice rub paired with a tangy honey-mustard sauce really makes the dish pop.
- Juicy Chicken Thighs: The bone-in, skinless thighs stay tender and juicy, even with a quick cook time.
- Nutritious and Balanced: You get protein-packed chicken alongside fresh broccoli roasted to perfection.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe plays an important role in balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition. The combination of aromatic spices with fresh broccoli and juicy chicken thighs is simple, but the result is anything but.
- Chicken thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs—they cook faster and are easy to eat, but bone-in works too if that's what you have.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh, raw broccoli gets beautifully roasted right on the pan for great texture and flavor.
- Red onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of sharpness to balance the spice rub.
- Avocado or olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and brings out that crispy charm.
- Brown sugar & spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic, onion powder, chipotle powder): This combo is where the magic happens—sweet, smoky, and spicy layers that coat the chicken perfectly.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the honey-mustard sauce, but you can also swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Dijon mustard & honey: These add tanginess with just the right touch of sweetness in the sauce.
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce: Adds umami and balances the sauce flavors.
- Dried thyme and seasoning: Boost flavor complexity without overpowering the main ingredients.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.
- Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or extra chipotle powder for a spicier kick that really wakes up the dish.
- Swap the veggies: If broccoli isn’t your thing, green beans, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts all roast beautifully alongside the chicken.
- Make it dairy-free: Just use vegan mayo in the honey-mustard sauce to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Add crunch: Toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top before serving add a nice texture contrast.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Pan and Prep the Veggies
The trick that always helps me get that perfect roast is preheating the baking sheet along with the oven at 450°F. This step helps both chicken and broccoli start cooking immediately when they hit the pan. While that’s happening, toss your broccoli and sliced red onion with a tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper. Give them a good mix so every floret is coated—this ensures crispy, delicious veggies.
Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs
Next up, I rub the chicken thighs with the remaining teaspoon of oil, then coat them evenly with the brown sugar and spice mixture. This rub creates a beautiful caramelized crust that's both smoky and sweet. Don’t rush this part—getting every bit covered means more flavor in every bite!
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
When your pan is sizzling hot, carefully take it out and spray it with cooking spray. Spread the veggies evenly over the pan, leaving some room for the chicken thighs. I like to nestle the chicken right among the broccoli and onions so all the flavors mingle. Bake the pan for 15 minutes, then stir the veggies gently. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Step 4: Whip Up the Honey-Mustard Sauce
While everything roasts, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, coconut aminos, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This sauce ties the whole dish together with creaminess and a tangy-sweet finish. I always taste and adjust the honey or salt slightly at the end so it’s just right.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the sauce over your hot chicken and broccoli and dig in. The sauce keeps well too, so I save the leftovers for quick lunches during the week.
Top Tip
I've made this Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe dozens of times, and these tips have saved me from common pitfalls. Keeping these in mind will help you get restaurant-quality results at home.
- Preheat the baking sheet: It’s a simple step, but it guarantees a better sear on the chicken and nicely roasted veggies without sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give your chicken and broccoli room to breathe so everything crisps up rather than steams.
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken thighs can be tricky—check for 165°F to avoid drying them out while making sure they’re safe to eat.
- Stir the veggies halfway: This keeps the broccoli from burning and promotes even roasting on all sides.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving. The brightness really balances the richness of the sauce and adds a fresh pop of color.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but my go-to sides include a simple quinoa salad or garlic mashed potatoes. Sometimes, I’ll even add crusty bread to mop up that luscious honey-mustard sauce — super satisfying!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this recipe plated on a long wooden board with extra sauce in small bowls for guests to dip. It’s also fun to serve over a bed of herbed rice or with a side of roasted sweet potatoes for an autumn twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover chicken and broccoli in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping the sauce separate helps maintain the best texture when reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to make extra. Pop cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and use within 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To keep everything juicy, I reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover loosely to prevent drying out. Add fresh sauce after reheating to revive the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can absolutely swap chicken thighs for breasts, but keep in mind that breasts cook a little faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust your cooking time and check temperature frequently to avoid overcooking.
Make sure to toss the broccoli florets with enough oil and spread them out in a single layer on the hot baking sheet. Stir the vegetables halfway through cooking, and don’t overcrowd the pan so they have room to roast rather than steam.
Yes! To keep the sauce dairy-free, simply use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo. The rest of the sauce ingredients remain the same and taste just as delicious.
You can prep the broccoli, onion, and spice rub a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. I recommend seasoning the chicken just before roasting for the best texture, but everything else is very make-ahead friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for a reason — it's easy, flavorful, and feels like a little win at the end of a busy day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a bit of warmth and delicious simplicity to your dinner table. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Print
Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Broccoli recipe offers a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that combines juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs with roasted broccoli and red onion, all seasoned with a smoky chipotle rub. Drizzled with a homemade honey-mustard sauce, this dish is both healthy and satisfying, perfect for a quick yet delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 ¼ lbs), patted dry
- 1 (12-ounce) bag raw broccoli florets (6-7 cups)
- ½ medium red onion, sliced (1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil, divided
- Nonstick cooking spray
Spice Rub
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon chipotle powder
Honey-Mustard Sauce
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (for egg-free use vegan mayo or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons coconut aminos (or 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of fine salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Baking Sheet: Place a large rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat the oven to 450℉ with the pan inside. Preheating the baking sheet ensures even cooking of the ingredients.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the oven preheats, toss the broccoli florets and sliced red onion in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder to create the seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken Thighs: Rub the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil and sprinkle the spice rub evenly over all sides of the chicken.
- Arrange on Hot Baking Sheet: Using an oven mitt, carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the seasoned vegetables in an even layer on the sheet, leaving space to nestle the chicken thighs among them.
- Bake Chicken and Vegetables: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then stir the vegetables and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Prepare Honey-Mustard Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), dried thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve the cooked chicken thighs and roasted vegetables with the honey-mustard sauce on the side. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- This recipe makes a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring a smoky chipotle spice rub and a sweet honey-mustard sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.
- For an egg-free option, substitute mayonnaise in the sauce with vegan mayo or plain Greek yogurt.
- Preheating the baking sheet ensures even cooking and crispy edges on the chicken and vegetables.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check the chicken's doneness for optimal safety and juiciness.
- Leftover sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be used as a flavorful dip or spread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of the recipe with sauce
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 655 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 116 mg
Leave a Reply