Imagine a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal prep, delivers maximum flavor, and leaves you with practically no cleanup - sounds too good to be true? Get ready to meet your new favorite dinner recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus! This incredibly simple yet delicious dish transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 35 minutes, proving that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus by snapping them off or cutting approximately 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- Arrange chicken thighs on one side of the sheet pan, skin-side up. Spread asparagus in a single layer on the other side of the pan.
- Drizzle the seasoning mixture evenly over both the chicken and asparagus, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 22-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, with chicken thighs placed alongside the roasted asparagus spears.
Tips
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Use fresh, in-season asparagus for the best texture and flavor. Look for firm, bright green spears with tight, compact tips.
- Don't overcrowd the sheet pan - leave some space between chicken and asparagus to allow proper air circulation and even roasting.
- Invest in an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the perfect safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- For extra flavor variation, try substituting the garlic powder with fresh minced garlic or adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to your seasoning blend.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 145mg
