Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli

The aroma of roasted Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli filling your kitchen is simply irresistible. This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and perfectly roasted broccoli for a balanced, nutritious meal that requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hassle-free meal prep option, this Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli recipe will become your new go-to. You’ll learn how to perfectly time each ingredient for the ultimate sheet pan meal that’s as delicious as it is convenient.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli is a game-changer for busy families and health-conscious cooks alike. The beauty lies in its simplicity—everything roasts together on one pan, creating fewer dishes while maximizing flavor. Each ingredient contributes something special: juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, sweet potatoes that caramelize to perfection, tart-sweet apples that soften while maintaining their shape, and broccoli florets that develop delicious roasted edges.

The contrasting textures make each bite interesting—from the tender chicken to the slightly firm sweet potatoes and the crisp-tender broccoli. The flavors complement each other beautifully, with the natural sweetness of the apples and sweet potatoes balancing the savory chicken. Plus, the entire meal offers a rainbow of nutrients in one simple dish.

What truly makes this recipe stand out is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences or swap in seasonal produce. It’s also an excellent meal prep option as the leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

For this Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound/450g), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 cups (about 12 oz/340g) broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Choose firm, tart-sweet apples that hold their shape when baked. For the chicken, thighs are recommended for their rich flavor and moisture, but chicken breasts can work if you prefer leaner meat.

Pro Tips

Timing is Everything: The key to perfect one-pan chicken and vegetables is understanding that different ingredients require different cooking times. Start by roasting the sweet potatoes first, as they take the longest to cook. Add the chicken and apples in the middle of cooking, and introduce the broccoli toward the end to prevent it from becoming mushy. This staggered approach ensures each component is perfectly cooked.

Proper Spacing is Crucial: For that beautiful caramelization on your sweet potatoes and chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Use a large sheet pan (18×13 inches works best) and arrange ingredients in a single layer with some space between items. If necessary, use two pans rather than cramming everything onto one. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, robbing you of those delicious crispy edges.

Temperature Management Matters: For the best results with your Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli, start with a hot oven (425°F/220°C). This initial high heat helps develop color and flavor. For even cooking, position your rack in the middle of the oven and rotate the pan halfway through cooking time. If you notice the chicken browning too quickly, loosely cover that section with foil while the rest continues to cook.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps them get crispy), then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with the maple syrup, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, and cinnamon to create your seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Start With Sweet Potatoes

Toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them evenly on one section of your prepared sheet pan, making sure they’re not too crowded. Place the pan in the oven and roast the sweet potatoes alone for the first 10 minutes, as they need a head start.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Apples

After the initial 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the sheet pan, skin side up. Brush each thigh with some of your seasoning mixture. In a medium bowl, toss the apple chunks with the remaining seasoning mixture, then scatter them around the chicken and sweet potatoes. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Broccoli

While the chicken, sweet potatoes, and apples are roasting, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. After the 15 minutes is up, remove the sheet pan again and add the broccoli to any available spaces, tucking it between the other ingredients if necessary. Return the pan to the oven.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Continue roasting everything together for a final 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the sweet potatoes are tender, and the broccoli is crisp-tender with slightly charred edges. For extra-crispy chicken skin, you can broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven and let everything rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve your Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli warm, ensuring each portion includes a good mix of all ingredients.

Variations

Mediterranean-Style: Transform this Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes dish by swapping the apples for bell peppers and adding halved cherry tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Season with oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of feta cheese after roasting. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for bright, Mediterranean flavors that pair beautifully with the sweet potatoes and chicken.

Spicy Honey Glaze: For heat lovers, create a spicy-sweet version by preparing a glaze of 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon sriracha, and 1 teaspoon garlic. Brush this mixture on the chicken before roasting and again during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The heat from the sriracha complements the natural sweetness of the apples and sweet potatoes while giving the entire dish a warming kick.

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with 14 oz (400g) of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Toss the tofu in 1 tablespoon cornstarch before adding your seasonings to create a crispy exterior. Alternatively, use 2 cans of drained chickpeas for a high-protein plant-based version. Both options work beautifully with the sweet potatoes, apples, and broccoli for a complete meatless meal.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, avoid the microwave which can make the chicken rubbery and the vegetables soggy. Instead, place portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. The flavors actually develop overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option.

For serving, try these three suggestions: First, serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious pan juices. Second, transform leftovers into a hearty lunch salad by chopping everything into bite-sized pieces and serving over mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. Third, for a more substantial dinner, serve alongside crusty whole grain bread and a dollop of whole grain mustard for dipping.

This sheet pan meal is complete on its own, but for special occasions, a glass of crisp apple cider (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) makes a complementary beverage pairing that echoes the apple flavors in the dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute boneless, skin-on chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time as they cook faster than thighs. Check for doneness around 5 minutes earlier than the recipe suggests, looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How can I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy? The key is proper spacing on your sheet pan. Use a large pan and avoid overcrowding. If necessary, divide between two pans. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the pan, as starting in a hot oven helps develop the roasted texture.

Can I prep this ahead of time? Absolutely! Cut all vegetables and apples up to 24 hours ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also season the chicken up to 12 hours in advance. When ready to cook, arrange everything on the sheet pan and follow the baking instructions.

What type of apples work best? Firmer varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn hold their shape best during roasting. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious, which can become mushy.

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free? Yes, this Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with these dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Broccoli is comfort food at its finest — nutritious, colorful, and infused with the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. It’s the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t require complicated techniques or endless cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking to impress dinner guests with minimal effort, this versatile one-pan wonder delivers on all fronts. The combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and veggies creates a complete meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Print