Sheet Pan Chicken Cranberry Vinaigrette

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roasted alongside baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onion on a single sheet pan. A homemade cranberry vinaigrette made with fresh cranberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard adds a bright, tangy finish. The method is simple: season, toss, roast, and drizzle to create a balanced meal that's both comforting and vibrant, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:43:00 GMT
Sheet Pan Chicken features golden-brown skin, roasted vegetables, and a vibrant cranberry vinaigrette drizzle. Save
Sheet Pan Chicken features golden-brown skin, roasted vegetables, and a vibrant cranberry vinaigrette drizzle. | whisknjoy.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 recipe quickly became a family favorite after I served it on a busy weeknight. The cranberry vinaigrette adds a lovely bright contrast to the savory chicken and roasted vegetables.

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

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 3:
In another bowl, toss potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 4:
Arrange the vegetables evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Nestle the chicken thighs among the vegetables skin-side up.
Step 5:
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.
Step 6:
Meanwhile prepare the cranberry 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.
Step 7:
In a blender or with an immersion blender blend the cranberry mixture with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 8:
Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the roasted chicken and vegetables before serving or serve on the side.
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This meal is perfect for family dinners where everyone enjoys a colorful, nutritious plate all in one pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with wild rice or a green salad for a complete meal and pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.

Required Tools

Large sheet pan, mixing bowls, small saucepan, blender or immersion blender, chefs knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

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

This image showcases a delightful sheet pan chicken meal with tender veggies, ideal for a gluten-free dinner. Save
This image showcases a delightful sheet pan chicken meal with tender veggies, ideal for a gluten-free dinner. | whisknjoy.com

This sheet pan chicken recipe offers a simple yet flavorful dinner option that you can prepare any night of the week.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use different vegetables in this dish?

Yes, sweet potatoes or butternut squash can be substituted for potatoes or carrots to vary the flavors and textures.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

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

Is it necessary to make the cranberry vinaigrette from scratch?

Making the vinaigrette fresh enhances the dish with natural tartness and sweetness, but pre-made vinaigrettes can be used as a shortcut.

Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, components like the vinaigrette can be made ahead, and the chicken and vegetables can be roasted just before serving.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir complements the tangy vinaigrette and savory roasted components beautifully.

Sheet Pan Chicken Cranberry Vinaigrette

Roasted chicken thighs and colorful vegetables enhanced by a tangy cranberry vinaigrette for a quick, wholesome meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Quick Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

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

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Preheat oven: Heat oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.

Stage 02

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

Stage 03

Prepare vegetables: In another bowl, combine baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and carrots. Toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Stage 04

Arrange on sheet pan: Spread vegetables evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Nestle chicken thighs among vegetables, skin-side up.

Stage 05

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

Stage 06

Prepare vinaigrette: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries and honey. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until cranberries burst and soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Stage 07

Blend vinaigrette: Blend cooled cranberry mixture with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.

Stage 08

Serve: Drizzle cranberry vinaigrette over chicken and vegetables before serving or serve on the side.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains mustard from Dijon mustard.

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 480
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 29 g