Sheet Pan Chicken Cranberry

Featured in: Quick Family Meals

This dish features bone-in chicken thighs roasted alongside baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onion on a single sheet pan. The vegetables caramelize beautifully while the chicken cooks to juicy perfection. A bright cranberry vinaigrette made with fresh cranberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly sweet finish that lifts the flavors. Fast preparation and minimal cleanup make it ideal for busy evenings. You can swap root vegetables for variety and pair it with wild rice or a crisp salad for a wholesome dinner.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:33:00 GMT
Golden-brown sheet pan chicken with cranberry vinaigrette, featuring roasted vegetables and vibrant sauce, perfect for dinner. Pin this
Golden-brown sheet pan chicken with cranberry vinaigrette, featuring roasted vegetables and vibrant sauce, perfect for dinner. | recipeshood.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.

This sheet pan chicken recipe quickly became a favorite in my household during busy weeknights because of how simple and flavorful it is.

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.
Prepare chicken:
In a large bowl toss the chicken thighs with olive oil salt pepper and thyme.
Prepare vegetables:
In another bowl toss potatoes Brussels sprouts red onion and carrots with olive oil salt and pepper.
Arrange on 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.
Make 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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| recipeshood.com

This recipe brings the family together around the dinner table with its comforting flavors and simplicity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with wild rice or a green salad for a complete meal.

Wine Pairing

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.

Allergen Information

Contains mustard (in Dijon mustard) Double-check for allergens in Dijon mustard and other packaged ingredients.

Juicy chicken thighs and colorful vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzled with sweet-tart cranberry vinaigrette. Pin this
Juicy chicken thighs and colorful vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzled with sweet-tart cranberry vinaigrette. | recipeshood.com

This sheet pan chicken with cranberry vinaigrette is the perfect combination of ease and flavor bringing freshness to your dinner table.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

What vegetables work well for this dish?

Root vegetables like baby potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red onions complement the chicken and roast evenly on the sheet pan.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Roast until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crisp and golden.

Can I prepare the cranberry vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, the vinaigrette can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days to let the flavors meld.

What can I substitute for the potatoes or carrots?

Sweet potatoes or butternut squash are excellent alternatives that roast well and add natural sweetness.

Which wines pair best with this dish?

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complement the tangy vinaigrette and roasted flavors nicely.

Sheet Pan Chicken Cranberry

Roasted chicken thighs and colorful vegetables glazed with a vibrant cranberry vinaigrette for an easy, flavorful meal.

Prep Duration
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Time
50 min
Created by Julia Harris

Meal Type Quick Family Meals

Level of Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Details No Dairy Contained, Contains No Gluten

What You'll Need

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

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.

Step 02

Season Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.

Step 03

Season Vegetables: In another bowl, combine the baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion wedges, and sliced carrots. Toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 04

Arrange on Sheet Pan: Evenly spread the seasoned vegetables on the prepared sheet pan. Nestle the chicken thighs skin-side up among the vegetables.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Prepare Cranberry Vinaigrette: While roasting, combine cranberries and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until cranberries burst and soften. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 07

Blend Vinaigrette: Blend the cranberry mixture with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.

Step 08

Serve: Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the roasted chicken and vegetables or serve alongside.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains mustard from Dijon mustard.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 480
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 29 g