Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

The Perfect Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus Recipe for Busy Nights

Crafting a delightful sheet pan chicken and asparagus becomes a breeze when you embrace simplicity and flavor.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that don’t compromise taste.

Our approach combines minimal cleanup with maximum satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside crisp green spears, creating a harmonious meal bursting with nutrients.

Seasoning plays a crucial role in elevating each bite to something memorable.

Aromatic herbs and a splash of lemon can magically transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Join me in mastering this effortless culinary adventure that promises both convenience and deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

  • Streamline Kitchen Workflow: Minimize cleanup with this single sheet pan method, allowing you to prepare a complete meal without multiple pots and pans.
  • Customize Flavor Combinations: Easily swap seasonings or vegetables to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different palates.
  • Nutrition-Packed Dinner Solution: Combine lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and vitamin-rich asparagus for a balanced, wholesome meal that supports healthy eating.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: Requires minimal preparation and cooking time, perfect for busy families or individuals seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You Need For Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary source of meat in this quick and easy dinner.
Vegetables:
  • Baby Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides a hearty and filling base for the sheet pan meal.
  • Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the dish.
Seasonings and Oils:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Herbs, Salt, Pepper: Combination of seasonings that enhance the flavor profile of the chicken, potatoes, and asparagus.
  • Fresh Parsley: Herb that adds a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

How To Make Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus Dinner

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for the delightful meal ahead.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Goodness

  • Baby potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss potatoes with olive oil and seasonings until they’re evenly coated. Spread them out on a sheet pan in a single layer.

Step 3: Roast Initial Potato Layer

Slide the potatoes into the hot oven and bake for 15 minutes to start their golden transformation.

Step 4: Create Chicken Magic

  • Chicken breasts
  • Olive oil
  • Onion powder
  • Italian herbs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage the chicken with olive oil and seasonings, ensuring every inch gets flavor love.

Step 5: Combine Potato and Chicken

Pull out the sheet pan, nudge potatoes to one side, and place seasoned chicken on the empty space.

Step 6: Dual Cooking Adventure

Return the pan to the oven and let chicken and potatoes dance together for 20 minutes.

Step 7: Asparagus Preparation

  • Fresh asparagus
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Coat asparagus with olive oil and seasonings, making them ready for their roasting moment.

Step 8: Final Pan Arrangement

Remove the sheet pan, nestle seasoned asparagus alongside chicken and potatoes.

Step 9: Complete the Culinary Symphony

Bake for a final 10-15 minutes until chicken hits 165°F (75°C) and asparagus becomes tender.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish and serve this mouthwatering meal hot and proud.

Tips That Work For Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

  • Prep Like a Pro: Chop all ingredients before starting to streamline cooking and reduce stress in the kitchen.
  • Customize Chicken Cuts: Swap chicken breasts with thighs or tenders for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
  • Monitor Oven Hot Spots: Rotate the sheet pan halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
  • Season Generously: Don't skimp on herbs and spices – they transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
  • Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.

Ways To Change Up Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Replace Italian herbs with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for those who enjoy a spicier meal.
  • Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or radish cubes to reduce carbohydrate content and maintain a similar roasted texture.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Blend: Use gluten-free herb mix and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

What To Serve With Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with bright citrus notes that complements the herb-seasoned chicken and enhances the delicate asparagus flavors.
  • Complement with Roasted Garlic Bread: Create a crusty garlic bread side to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a satisfying crunch that balances the tender chicken and vegetables.
  • Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, refreshing contrast to the warm, savory sheet pan dinner and cleanse the palate between bites.

Storage Advice For Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place chicken, potatoes, and asparagus separately to maintain texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing asparagus as it becomes mushy upon thawing.
  • Place portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway. Add splash of water to retain moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread leftovers on baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

FAQs About Easy Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb seasonings well, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.

  • Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Fresh asparagus is recommended. Frozen asparagus can release too much moisture, making the sheet pan soggy and preventing proper roasting.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this sheet pan meal in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

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Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sheet pan chicken and asparagus bring Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen, creating a simple yet elegant dinner. Crisp asparagus and juicy chicken roasted together offer a delightful meal you can savor with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 pound (16 ounces) baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 pound (16 ounces) asparagus, trimmed

Seasonings and Oil:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or herbes de Provence)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the sheet pan meal.
  2. Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
  3. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a sheet pan and roast for 15 minutes to initiate the cooking process.
  4. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in the same mixing bowl.
  5. Remove sheet pan from oven and redistribute potatoes to create space for chicken breasts.
  6. Arrange seasoned chicken alongside potatoes and return to oven for 20 minutes.
  7. Prepare asparagus by coating with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
  8. After 20 minutes, add seasoned asparagus to the sheet pan, ensuring even spacing between ingredients.
  9. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and asparagus becomes tender.
  10. Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve the perfectly roasted sheet pan meal hot.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without drying out.
  • Slice chicken breasts horizontally for faster, more even cooking if they’re particularly thick.
  • Consider substituting asparagus with broccoli or green beans for variety and different nutritional profiles.
  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version of this sheet pan meal, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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