Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Bell Peppers

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

A vibrant one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken thighs and roasted sweet potatoes with smoky Cajun spices and colorful bell peppers. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika until well coated.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine 2 cubed medium sweet potatoes and sliced red and yellow bell peppers (1 large each) with 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a large sheet pan, spacing them evenly. Scatter the sweet potatoes and bell peppers around the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning the vegetables halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sweet potatoes are tender and edges slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Sweet Potatoes and Bell Peppers?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

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

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 Sweet Potatoes and Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

What goes well with Sheet Pan Cajun-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Bell Peppers?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes