Sheet-Pan Crispy Chicken with Squash and Tomatoes – Easy One-Pan Dinner with Roasted Veggies
This sheet-pan crispy chicken with squash and tomatoes is a one-pan dinner made for weeknights—featuring golden-brown roasted chicken thighs, caramelized squash, and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s simple, clean, naturally gluten-free, and full of flavor. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you need a fuss-free, high-protein meal that delivers real comfort.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 pieces)
- 2 medium yellow squash sliced into half-moons
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment or foil.
- Prep the veggies: Toss squash and cherry tomatoes with 1.5 tbsp olive oil, half the garlic, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Spread evenly on the sheet pan.
- Season the chicken: Pat thighs dry, rub with remaining olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange everything: Nestle chicken thighs skin-side up among the veggies.
- Roast: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until chicken is crispy and internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Finish: Squeeze lemon juice over everything, top with fresh herbs, and serve hot.
Notes
Secret Tips for Sheet-Pan Crispy Chicken
- Dry the chicken skin thoroughly with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispness.
- Preheat the sheet pan in the oven before adding ingredients for extra caramelization.
- Don’t crowd the pan—space equals crisp, especially for the chicken skin and roasted vegetables.
- Use parchment for easier cleanup, but skip it if you want deeper browning directly on the pan.
- Finish with a quick broil for golden, extra-crispy skin.
- Add lemon zest to the olive oil rub for a boost of bright, savory flavor.
- Toss cherry tomatoes in at the 15-minute mark if you prefer them just blistered, not collapsed.