Sheet Pan Harissa-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potato and Zucchini

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

Tender chicken thighs roasted with sweet potatoes and zucchini in a smoky harissa glaze, finished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired sheet pan ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 535 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 535 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place chicken thighs, sweet potato cubes, and zucchini slices on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tbsp olive oil, then add 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; toss until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread ingredients in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring chicken pieces don't overlap. Roast for 25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally and vegetables are tender with golden edges.
  3. Step 3: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Harissa-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potato and Zucchini take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Harissa-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potato and Zucchini?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Harissa-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potato and Zucchini?

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 Harissa-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potato and Zucchini 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.

What goes well with Sheet Pan Harissa-Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potato and Zucchini?

Mediterranean sheet pan 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.

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