This rustic and hearty dish is a tribute to balanced weeknight meals—minimal effort with maximum flavor. The skin-on chicken roasts to a crispy, golden perfection while nestled between wedges of caramelized sweet potato, tender Brussels sprouts, and sweet onion. The tangy mustard vinaigrette pulls it all together with a punch of sharpness, sweetness, and spice.
Ideal for busy families or solo diners who crave comfort food with a healthy twist, this one-pan dinner is as convenient as it is nourishing. The cleanup is easy, and the flavor is unforgettable. Drizzle, serve, and watch it disappear—your new go-to sheet pan dinner is here.
Full Recipe:
Chicken and Veggies:
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1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
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2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
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1 medium sweet onion, cut into wedges
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2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
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¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
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4 (5 oz) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Mustard Vinaigrette:
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2 tablespoons grainy mustard
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4 teaspoons Champagne vinegar
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1 tablespoon maple syrup
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
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In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
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Season the chicken with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Nestle chicken, skin-side up, among the veggies. Brush the skin with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
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Roast for about 45 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden and crisp.
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While the chicken roasts, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette.
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Drizzle vinaigrette over roasted chicken and vegetables before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 536 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Weeknight Savior: Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette
When it comes to combining flavor, nutrition, and convenience into one meal, few dishes do it better than Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette. This recipe has steadily climbed the ranks of home-cooked favorites, praised for its rich, savory notes and ease of preparation. It’s a go-to dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste, and best of all, it minimizes cleanup without sacrificing depth or sophistication.
This sheet pan creation brings together crispy, golden-baked chicken and an assortment of beautifully caramelized vegetables, all tied together with a bold and tangy mustard vinaigrette. The result is a comforting yet balanced meal that feels indulgent while being rooted in whole-food ingredients.
The Genius Behind One-Pan Cooking
One-pan meals have become a culinary trend not just for their simplicity, but because they represent a mindful way of cooking. Everything goes into the oven at once, allowing flavors to blend and intensify naturally. In this case, the chicken’s savory juices mingle with the sweet and earthy vegetables, creating a dynamic foundation even before the vinaigrette is drizzled on top.
Unlike stovetop cooking where constant monitoring is required, sheet pan recipes like this offer hands-off ease. Simply prep, bake, and return to a house filled with delicious aromas. The sheet pan method also ensures consistent texture and browning, thanks to the even heat distribution of oven roasting.
Flavor Complexity Without the Fuss
One of the highlights of this dish is the mustard vinaigrette. It’s not just an afterthought—it’s what elevates the entire meal. The combination of grainy mustard, Champagne vinegar, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper delivers layers of flavor: sharp, sweet, acidic, and spicy. It cuts through the richness of the chicken and balances the natural sugars in vegetables like sweet potatoes and onions.
This flavor contrast transforms what could be a basic roast into something that tastes restaurant-worthy. And because the vinaigrette is added at the end, it stays bright and punchy, adding a burst of flavor with every bite.
Nutrition That Doesn’t Feel Like a Diet
This dish is hearty without being heavy, making it a great option for those trying to eat clean or reduce their intake of processed foods. Each serving offers a well-balanced mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats. Chicken thighs are used for their rich flavor and tender texture, while vegetables like Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
It’s also naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to various dietary needs. For those watching sodium or sugar intake, the vinaigrette ingredients can be adjusted without losing the essence of the dish.
Customizable for Every Season
Another strength of this recipe lies in its flexibility. While Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes shine in the cooler months, they can be swapped with seasonal produce year-round. Think asparagus and cherry tomatoes in the spring, zucchini and bell peppers in the summer, or even root vegetables like carrots and parsnips in the winter.
You can also switch up the protein. Boneless skinless chicken breasts work if you prefer leaner cuts, though the bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver superior flavor and texture. Vegetarian adaptations are possible too—chickpeas or hearty mushrooms can take the place of chicken for a plant-based twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Sheet pan meals naturally lend themselves to batch cooking. This recipe is ideal for meal prepping, as it holds up well in the refrigerator and even improves as the flavors meld over time. The vegetables don’t go soggy and the chicken remains moist, especially when reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Double the recipe and you have meals for several days—perfect for busy professionals, parents, or anyone looking to streamline their weeknight routines. It can be served as-is or paired with extras like quinoa, rice, or a crisp side salad.
Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Satisfaction
Let’s face it—after a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a pile of dishes. That’s where the beauty of this recipe really shines. With everything roasted on a single sheet pan, cleanup is as simple as discarding the foil or parchment paper and giving the pan a quick rinse.
Unlike stovetop meals that use multiple pots, pans, and utensils, this method requires very little. It encourages home cooking even when time and energy are limited, making it easier to avoid takeout or processed alternatives.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Don’t be surprised if this becomes a family favorite. The slight sweetness of the maple syrup, the familiarity of roasted vegetables, and the crispy texture of the chicken all appeal to younger palates. It’s also easy to serve in individual portions, allowing kids to choose their favorite veggies.
For dinner parties or casual gatherings, this dish can be scaled up to feed a crowd without creating kitchen chaos. Simply use multiple sheet pans and rotate them in the oven, and you’ll have a meal that impresses without stress.
Elevate It Even Further
Though it’s perfect on its own, there are ways to take this dish to gourmet territory. Garnish with chopped herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving. Add crumbles of goat cheese or feta for extra richness. Or toast some nuts—like pecans or walnuts—for a crunchy contrast.
You can even pair it with a glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which complements the tangy mustard notes beautifully. Or serve it family-style on a large wooden board for a rustic, elegant presentation.
A Reliable Recipe Worth Repeating
Every home cook has a few go-to recipes they return to time and time again—and this one deserves a spot on that list. It ticks all the boxes: nutritious, flavorful, flexible, affordable, and quick to prepare. It’s proof that cooking healthy meals at home doesn’t have to be complicated or boring.
And while it’s easy enough for a weeknight, it also has the flavor and finesse to serve at a casual gathering or as part of a holiday spread. It meets the modern cook’s need for simplicity without giving up creativity or joy.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Balanced Meal for Busy Lives
In today’s fast-paced world, having a recipe that offers nourishment, flavor, and convenience is invaluable. Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette is more than just a dinner option—it’s a dependable solution for anyone trying to cook more at home without sacrificing quality or enjoyment.
From the first bite of crispy chicken to the tangy vinaigrette-laced veggies, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction. It’s a celebration of thoughtful ingredients and no-fuss cooking—a delicious reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a regular feature in your kitchen. Embrace the ease, enjoy the flavor, and don’t forget to make extra—you’ll be glad you did.
