Sheet Pan Chicken With Garlic Sauce

Name: Sheet Pan Chicken With Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 cups baby potatoes, halved; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Highlighted under: Homemade Bliss

I love creating simple yet flavorful meals, and this Sheet Pan Chicken with Garlic Sauce is one of my absolute favorites. The convenience of a one-pan dish makes weeknight cooking a breeze, and the garlic-infused sauce takes the roasted chicken and veggies to a whole new level. With just a few common ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner that the whole family will love. Trust me, it's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy together at the dinner table.

Created by

Celeste Morgan

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:15:36.531Z

During one of my busy weeknights, I experimented with making a garlicky sauce that could coat chicken and vegetables while they roast. The result was phenomenal! The garlic is the star here; it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding depth to the dish. I discovered that letting the chicken marinate briefly in the sauce enhances the flavor even more.

What I love most is that after all is said and done, there’s minimal cleanup. With everything cooked on a single sheet pan, I can get back to enjoying my evening instead of doing dishes. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pan convenience for easy cleanup
Tender chicken infused with rich garlic flavor
Versatile dish that pairs well with various sides

Understanding the Garlic Sauce

The garlic sauce is the star of this dish, elevating the flavors of the chicken and vegetables remarkably. The combination of minced garlic, soy sauce, and honey creates a balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes that permeate the chicken during marination. Make sure to whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they are fully incorporated, which not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a glossy finish when baked. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra layer of depth.

When marinating the chicken, a minimum of 15 minutes is crucial, but for optimal flavor absorption, allowing it to sit for around 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator can do wonders. This resting period helps the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively, leading to a juicier, more flavorful dish. If you're pressed for time, even a quick 15-minute soak will suffice, but don’t skip it entirely—this step transforms the ordinary chicken thighs into something special.

Choosing Your Vegetables

The vegetables in this recipe provide not only flavor but also texture and nutrition. Baby potatoes are perfect for roasting; they hold their shape and become delightful crispy bites. Carrots and bell peppers add sweetness and color, making the dish visually appealing as well as nutritious. Feel free to substitute these veggies based on your preferences or seasonal availability—zucchini or broccoli can also work well, but they may require less cooking time, so be sure to check for tenderness earlier.

When preparing the vegetables, cutting them into uniform sizes promotes even cooking. Halve the baby potatoes and slice the carrots to similar thickness. This helps ensure that everything roasts uniformly and avoids the frustrating situation where some pieces are perfectly tender while others remain stubbornly crunchy. Tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking also enhances their caramelization, providing a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Leftovers

This Sheet Pan Chicken with Garlic Sauce pairs fantastically with various sides. Serving it over rice or quinoa allows the garlic sauce to soak into the grains, amplifying the meal's flavors. A simple side salad or sautéed greens like spinach can provide a refreshing balance to the rich, savory dish. If you're looking to add a starch, roasted or mashed sweet potatoes would complement the dish beautifully, adding their natural sweetness to the meal.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the skin's crispness, which may become soggy in the microwave. For long-term storage, consider freezing the chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months; simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it not only a great meal to serve fresh but also a fantastic make-ahead option for busy nights.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 cups baby potatoes, halved
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot, even bake.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together the garlic sauce ingredients. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and coat them well. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Prepare the Vegetables

On a large sheet pan, toss baby potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Arrange the Chicken

After marinating, place the chicken thighs on the sheet pan with the vegetables, skin side up.

Bake the Dish

Pour any remaining garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.

Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving with your choice of sides.

Pro Tips

For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find the chicken skin isn't getting as crispy as you'd like, one trick is to make sure the chicken thighs are well-dried before marinating. Excess moisture on the skin can steam rather than roast, preventing that delightful crispiness. Pat the chicken down with a paper towel before adding the garlic sauce, and roast at the recommended temperature for the full time specified to achieve that perfect texture.

Another common issue is uneven cooking, particularly with the veggies. If you're using a crowded sheet pan, consider using two pans or roasting in batches. If everything is packed too tightly, the vegetables can steam instead of roast, leading to a mushy texture. Always ensure there’s adequate space between your ingredients for optimal air circulation in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to chicken thighs, skinless chicken breasts can be used, though they may require less cooking time. Watch for dryness, as breasts can easily become overcooked. For an even richer flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts instead, which will retain moisture better than their skinless counterparts.

In terms of the garlic sauce, if you're low on soy sauce, a tamari or liquid aminos can provide a gluten-free alternative. For a vegan option, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based sweetener instead of honey. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but the overall dish will still be delicious.

Variations to Try

To switch things up, consider experimenting with different herbs in the garlic sauce. Fresh rosemary or parsley can add a fragrant note that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Alternatively, swapping out the dried thyme for dried oregano can give the dish a Mediterranean flair. Don't be afraid to play with the flavor combinations based on your tastes and what you have on hand.

For added complexity, try marinating the chicken overnight in the garlic sauce if time allows. This can deepen the flavor significantly. On baking day, toss in some cherry tomatoes or asparagus to the pan about halfway through cooking for a burst of freshness without needing extra pans—everything comes together in one delicious bake!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include broccoli, zucchini, or any seasonal vegetables you like.

→ Is the dish gluten-free?

Substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos can make it gluten-free.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge.