Roasted Cauliflower Chicken Sheet Pan (Printable)

Succulent chicken and tender cauliflower roasted together with aromatic spices, served over fluffy rice for an effortless meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.1 lb)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets (approximately 1.3 lb)
03 - 1 medium red onion sliced

→ Marinade and Seasonings

04 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

→ For Serving

11 - 2 cups cooked basmati or jasmine rice
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
13 - Lemon wedges

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
03 - Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Remove and set aside.
04 - Add cauliflower florets and sliced red onion to the remaining marinade. Toss well to coat evenly.
05 - Spread the cauliflower and red onions evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Nestle the chicken thighs among the vegetables.
06 - Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cauliflower is golden and tender.
07 - Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
08 - To serve, divide rice among plates. Top with roasted chicken and vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks on one pan so cleanup is literally minutes
  • The chicken juices season the vegetables as they roast together
  • Smoked paprika gives it this incredible depth without any fancy techniques
02 -
  • Crowding the pan is how you end up with steamed instead of roasted food. Give it room.
  • That chicken thigh fat renders out and bastes the vegetables which is why they taste so good.
  • Let the pan sit for about 5 minutes after roasting. The juices redistribute and everything gets more flavorful.
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before tossing with the marinade. You get much better browning.
  • Cut your cauliflower into generous sized florets. Tiny pieces burn before the chicken is done.
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