Cardinal's Roast Chicken with Bell Pepper Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent chicken thighs roasted with a vibrant tomato-bell pepper sauce, finished with fresh herbs to mirror the cardinal's brilliant red hue. This american-inspired sheet pan (gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry, then rub with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined sheet pan and scatter 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced yellow onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves around the chicken.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1 cup crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp dried thyme, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary; pour over chicken and vegetables.
  4. Step 4: Roast for 35-40 minutes until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear when pierced, basting once halfway through with pan juices.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardinal's Roast Chicken with Bell Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cardinal's Roast Chicken with Bell Pepper Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardinal's Roast Chicken with Bell Pepper Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardinal's Roast Chicken with Bell Pepper Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cardinal's Roast Chicken with Bell Pepper Sauce gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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