Merken Experience the ultimate in easy weeknight dining with this Roasted Cauliflower Chicken Sheet Pan meal. Succulent chicken thighs and tender cauliflower florets are roasted to golden perfection on a single tray, infused with a smoky and aromatic blend of paprika, cumin, and garlic. This fuss-free dish is a complete, flavorful meal that brings gourmet taste to your table with minimal cleanup.
Merken By roasting everything together, the juices from the chicken enhance the cauliflower, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection and perfectly tender.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 500 g / 1.1 lb)
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 600 g / 1.3 lb)
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Step 3
- Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4
- Add cauliflower florets and sliced red onion to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Step 5
- Spread the cauliflower and red onions evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Nestle the chicken thighs among the vegetables.
- Step 6
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and the cauliflower is golden and tender.
- Step 7
- Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
- Step 8
- To serve, divide rice among plates. Top with roasted chicken and vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the chicken is perfectly safe and juicy, use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you prefer your cauliflower extra crispy, ensure the florets are spread out in a single layer and not overcrowded on the pan.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred, though you should reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu and adjust the seasonings. You can also add variety by including bell peppers or carrots on the sheet pan.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the roasted chicken and vegetables over a bed of fluffy basmati or jasmine rice. For added creaminess, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or your favorite sauce. Fresh herbs and a generous squeeze of lemon juice will brighten all the roasted flavors.
Merken This sheet pan chicken and cauliflower is the perfect example of how simple ingredients and smart preparation can create a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
