Sheet Pan Roasted Citrus Chicken with Caribbean Spices
Juicy chicken thighs roasted with a blend of warm Caribbean spices and fresh citrus on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup. This caribbean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs medium orange (zested and juiced), medium lime (juiced), olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2 lbs) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 medium orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 medium lime (juiced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine zest and juice of 1 medium orange, juice of 1 medium lime, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 4 minced garlic cloves.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
- Step 3: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces in the marinade. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a large rimmed sheet pan in a single layer.
- Step 5: Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Step 6: Remove from oven, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Roasted Citrus Chicken with Caribbean Spices take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Roasted Citrus Chicken with Caribbean Spices?
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 medium lime (juiced) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Roasted Citrus Chicken with Caribbean Spices?
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 Roasted Citrus Chicken with Caribbean Spices 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.
Is Sheet Pan Roasted Citrus Chicken with Caribbean Spices 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.