Sheet Pan Pumpkin and Sage Roasted Chicken Thighs

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs roasted with autumn pumpkin chunks and fragrant sage create a comforting one-pan meal perfect for fall evenings. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs (about 2.5 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, peeled and cubed pumpkin, 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss 3 cups peeled and cubed pumpkin with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Spread the pumpkin evenly on the sheet pan, leaving space in the center for the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs and place them skin-side up on the sheet pan center.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 12 roughly chopped fresh sage leaves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
  6. Step 6: Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the pumpkin is tender and caramelized.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the chicken and pumpkin. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Pumpkin and Sage Roasted Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Pumpkin and Sage Roasted Chicken Thighs?

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 peeled and cubed pumpkin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Pumpkin and Sage Roasted Chicken Thighs?

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 Pumpkin and Sage Roasted Chicken Thighs 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 Pumpkin and Sage Roasted Chicken Thighs?

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.

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