Some nights, the thought of cooking can feel overwhelming, but that’s exactly when this sheet pan sweet potato dinner shines. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas while you barely lift a finger. I remember one evening when I tossed everything on the pan, then got distracted by a phone call—only to come back and find the kitchen smelling like a cozy autumn evening.
The sweet potatoes caramelized just right, with their edges slightly crisped, and the chicken thighs had that golden, irresistible skin. The peppers and onions softened into sweet, tender bites that balanced the whole dish perfectly. It wasn’t fancy, and honestly, I was a little worried it might be bland because I didn’t follow the timing exactly, but the spices came through beautifully. That small moment of hesitation turned into one of those easy dinners I wanted to come back to again and again.
- Everything cooks on a single sheet pan, so cleanup is minimal—this dinner is great when you’re short on time or energy.
- The combination of sweet potatoes and smoked paprika brings a subtle smoky sweetness that feels comforting without being heavy.
- Chicken thighs stay juicy under their crispy skin, but I’ll admit, sometimes the timing means the skin isn’t perfectly crisp everywhere—and honestly, that’s totally fine.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No need to fuss with multiple pots or complicated steps.
- Leftovers keep well, so you can enjoy this again the next day without much effort.
If you’re worried about equipment, don’t be. All you really need is one sturdy sheet pan and an oven. It’s a forgiving recipe, so even if your pan isn’t quite big enough, things will still roast nicely—just keep an eye on the cooking time.
PrintSheet Pan Sweet Potato Dinner
A simple and delicious sheet pan dinner featuring roasted sweet potatoes, chicken thighs, and vegetables all cooked together for an easy and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes, red bell pepper pieces, yellow bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the vegetables. Toss well to coat evenly.
Place the seasoned vegetables on a large sheet pan in a single layer.
In the same bowl, rub the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and dried thyme.
Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the sheet pan among the vegetables.
Roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender.
If desired, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to crisp the chicken skin.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
For serving, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, but if you’re running low on time, it’s perfectly delicious without. Feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand—zucchini or carrots might also work well, though I haven’t tried every combo. Sometimes I add a quick drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting for a bit of tang, but that’s totally optional.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but cooking time will be shorter. Keep an eye to avoid drying out the meat.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can chop and season the veggies and chicken a few hours in advance, then roast right before dinner.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne can work, but the smoky flavor is part of the charm here.
When you want a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a treat, this sheet pan sweet potato dinner is a reliable go-to. Give it a try, save it for later, or print it out for the next busy night—you’ll be glad you did.