Sheet Pan Chicken Cranberry Vinaigrette

Featured in: Hearty Family Meals

This dish features tender roasted chicken thighs and a medley of baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion, and carrots all cooked together on one sheet pan for minimal cleanup. A vibrant cranberry vinaigrette adds a zesty, slightly sweet finish that complements the savory flavors perfectly. Preparing this meal is simple: season, roast, and blend the vinaigrette while the chicken cooks. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a balanced and colorful dinner packed with textures and flavors.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:03:00 GMT
Sheet pan chicken with cranberry vinaigrette, featuring golden roasted chicken and colorful vegetables, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Sheet pan chicken with cranberry vinaigrette, featuring golden roasted chicken and colorful vegetables, ready to serve. | honeyprairie.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 has become a family favorite due to its simplicity and bold flavors, making weeknight dinners both easy and delicious.

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.
Toss Chicken:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Toss 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 to 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
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.
Blend Vinaigrette:
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.
Serve:
Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the roasted chicken and vegetables before serving or serve on the side.
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| honeyprairie.com

This dish was a hit at our last family gathering, sparking compliments for its flavor and ease of preparation.

Substitutions

Sweet potatoes or butternut squash can replace the potatoes or carrots for a different flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with wild rice or a green salad for a complete balanced meal paired perfectly with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.

Tool Requirements

You will need a large sheet pan, mixing bowls, small saucepan, blender or immersion blender, chefs knife, and cutting board to prepare this recipe.

Brightly colored sheet pan chicken with cranberry vinaigrette, showing juicy chicken thighs amidst roasted vegetables. Save to Pinterest
Brightly colored sheet pan chicken with cranberry vinaigrette, showing juicy chicken thighs amidst roasted vegetables. | honeyprairie.com

Enjoy this colorful, flavorful sheet pan dinner that simplifies cooking without sacrificing taste.

Questions & Answers

What temperature is best for roasting the chicken and vegetables?

Roast at 425°F (220°C) to ensure crispy chicken skin and well-caramelized vegetables in about 35–40 minutes.

Can I use other vegetables besides the listed ones?

Yes, sweet potatoes or butternut squash can substitute for potatoes or carrots, adding a subtle sweetness and different texture.

How is the cranberry vinaigrette prepared?

Cook cranberries with honey until softened, then blend with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Is this dish suitable for special diets?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those dietary needs.

What are good beverage pairings for this meal?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs well with the roasted flavors and tangy vinaigrette.

Sheet Pan Chicken Cranberry Vinaigrette

Tender roasted chicken paired with colorful vegetables and a tangy cranberry dressing.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cook duration
35 minutes
Overall time needed
50 minutes
Recipe by Honey Prairie Abigail Greene


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 4 Number of portions

Diet specifications No Dairy, 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 medium 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 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 ¼ teaspoon salt
07 ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set oven temperature to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Prepare Vegetables: In a separate bowl, toss halved baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, red onion wedges, and sliced carrots with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Roast: Cook in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender and caramelized.

Step 06

Prepare Cranberry Vinaigrette: While roasting, combine cranberries and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until cranberries burst and soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let 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 vinaigrette over the roasted chicken and vegetables just before serving, or offer on the side.

Essential tools

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

Allergy Details

Go through all ingredients to spot potential allergies. If unsure, check with a health expert.
  • Contains mustard (from Dijon mustard)

Nutrition details (per portion)

Details for informational use only — not a substitute for a medical professional.
  • Energy (calories): 480
  • Lipids: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 29 g