Sheet Pan Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Juicy chicken thighs cook alongside sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh thyme in a single sheet pan for effortless flavor. This french-inspired sheet pan ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken thighs, cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Slice 1 medium shallot into thin half-moons and mince 4 garlic cloves. Toss 10 oz cherry tomatoes, shallot, and garlic with 2 tbsp olive oil in a bowl.
  3. Step 3: Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Scatter tomato mixture around chicken.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and tomatoes burst. Remove pan from oven.
  5. Step 5: Chop 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Squeeze juice from 1/2 lemon over chicken and tomatoes. Sprinkle with thyme and toss gently to combine.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Cherry Tomatoes?

French 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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