Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant sheet pan meal featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in smoky Cajun seasoning, paired with caramelized sweet potatoes and tender roasted broccoli. This southern american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, broccoli florets, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread sweet potatoes on a large sheet pan in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While sweet potatoes roast, pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and rub evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: After 15 minutes, remove sheet pan from oven and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Toss 3 cups broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper, then scatter around chicken and sweet potatoes.
  5. Step 5: Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast everything for another 25-30 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, the sweet potatoes are tender, and broccoli edges are slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for brightness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli?

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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli 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 Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli 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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