Sheet Pan Chicken Cranberry

Featured in: Bold Marinades & Sauces

This dish features juicy chicken thighs roasted alongside baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and carrots on a single pan. A bright cranberry vinaigrette made with fresh cranberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard adds a tangy, vibrant finish. Cooking everything together creates rich caramelization and melds flavors beautifully, making it a straightforward, wholesome dinner option for busy nights.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:52:00 GMT
Golden-brown Sheet Pan Chicken with Cranberry Vinaigrette, glistening from the tangy glaze, surrounded by roasted vegetables. Save
Golden-brown Sheet Pan Chicken with Cranberry Vinaigrette, glistening from the tangy glaze, surrounded by roasted vegetables. | bitegrill.com

Tender roasted chicken and colorful vegetables baked on a single sheet pan, finished with a vibrant, tangy cranberry vinaigrette. A perfect, easy meal for busy weeknights.

I enjoy making this sheet pan chicken when I need a flavorful yet hands-off dinner that lets me focus on other tasks while it roasts.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Vegetables: 2 cups baby potatoes halved, 2 cups Brussels sprouts halved, 1 large red onion cut into wedges, 2 carrots peeled and sliced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cranberry Vinaigrette: ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Toss Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Toss Vegetables:
In another bowl, toss potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Arrange on Sheet Pan:
Arrange the vegetables evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Nestle the chicken thighs among the vegetables skin-side up.
Roast:
Roast for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
Prepare Vinaigrette:
In a small saucepan combine cranberries and honey. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until cranberries burst and soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Blend Vinaigrette:
Blend the cranberry mixture with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Serve:
Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the roasted chicken and vegetables before serving or serve on the side.
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This recipe always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories as we enjoy the vibrant flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sheet pan chicken with wild rice or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Substitutions

Swap baby potatoes with sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a different twist.

Wine Pairings

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir to complement the tangy vinaigrette.

Vibrant colors highlight this easy Sheet Pan Chicken, showcasing crispy chicken thighs and tender, caramelized vegetables. Save
Vibrant colors highlight this easy Sheet Pan Chicken, showcasing crispy chicken thighs and tender, caramelized vegetables. | bitegrill.com

This sheet pan chicken recipe is a flavorful, stress-free way to enjoy a wholesome dinner any night of the week.

Recipe FAQ

What temperature should I roast the chicken and vegetables?

Roast at 425°F (220°C) until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and veggies are tender, about 35–40 minutes.

Can I substitute the vegetables?

Yes, sweet potatoes or butternut squash can replace the potatoes or carrots for different flavors and textures.

How is the cranberry vinaigrette made?

Cook cranberries with honey, then blend with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

What is the best way to ensure crispy chicken skin?

Roast the chicken skin-side up on a lined sheet pan without overcrowding for even heat and crispiness.

What can I serve alongside this meal?

Pair with wild rice or a green salad for balance. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir complements the flavors well.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets?

Yes, it contains no gluten or dairy ingredients, fitting both dietary needs.

Sheet Pan Chicken Cranberry

Roasted chicken thighs and colorful vegetables enhanced by a tangy cranberry vinaigrette for a simple dinner.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Chicken

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon salt
04 ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Vegetables

01 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
02 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
03 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
04 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 ½ teaspoon salt
07 ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cranberry Vinaigrette

01 ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
02 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
03 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
04 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
05 ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
06 ¼ teaspoon salt
07 ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.

Phase 02

Season chicken: Toss chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and thyme in a large bowl.

Phase 03

Prepare vegetables: In a separate bowl, toss baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Phase 04

Arrange on sheet pan: Spread vegetables evenly on the prepared sheet pan and nestle chicken thighs skin-side up among them.

Phase 05

Roast chicken and vegetables: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender and caramelized.

Phase 06

Cook cranberries: Simmer cranberries and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the cranberries burst and soften, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Phase 07

Blend vinaigrette: Combine cranberry mixture with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth.

Phase 08

Serve: Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the roasted chicken and vegetables or serve it on the side.

Tools needed

  • Large sheet pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains mustard present in Dijon mustard.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 480
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 29 g