Roasted Cauliflower Chicken Sheet Pan (Printable)

Seasoned chicken thighs and cauliflower florets roasted together on one pan with smoked paprika and warm spices. Served over fluffy rice.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

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

→ Vegetables

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

→ Marinade and 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 - 1.5 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

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum 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 blended.
03 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all surfaces evenly. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.
04 - Add cauliflower florets and sliced red onion to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Toss well to ensure even coating of all vegetable pieces.
05 - Spread cauliflower and red onions evenly across the prepared sheet pan. Nestle chicken thighs among the vegetables in a single layer.
06 - Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and cauliflower is golden and tender.
07 - While roasting, cook rice according to package instructions if not already prepared.
08 - Divide cooked rice among serving plates. Top with roasted chicken and vegetables. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The chicken and vegetables cook in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor concentration
  • Smoked paprika and cumin create this warm, smoky profile that makes everything taste restaurant special
  • The juices from the chicken baste the cauliflower as it roasts, infusing it with incredible savory depth
02 -
  • Crowding the pan too much will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them, so use a large enough sheet pan
  • Letting the chicken rest for just 5 minutes after roasting helps the juices redistribute for moister meat
  • The cauliflower should be cut into similar sized florets so everything finishes cooking at the same time
03 -
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry before adding them to the marinade for better adhesion and browning
  • Room temperature chicken roasts more evenly, so take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking
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