Sheet Pan Chicken and Peppers

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Peppers recipe is a quick, flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender boneless skinless chicken thighs, sweet peppers, and a blend of savory spices, this one-pan meal is both easy to prepare and delicious. The chicken is marinated with smoked paprika, garlic, lemon, and thyme, then baked to perfection alongside colorful peppers. The creamy dipping sauce, made with sour cream, garlic, and lemon, adds a tangy finish to this dish. Serve this simple yet satisfying recipe with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete family meal.

Ingredients

Chicken and Sweet Peppers:

• 1 ½ lbs Springer Mountain Farms boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 5 long sweet peppers
• 1 tablespoon garlic olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Drizzle of olive oil for peppers
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• ¾ tablespoon thyme
• ¼ tablespoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 long sweet pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sheet Pan Chicken and Peppers:

1. Preheat the oven to 420°F. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, tomato paste, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. You can cook immediately or refrigerate and marinate overnight for more flavor.
4. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet in a single layer. Arrange the sweet peppers around the chicken. Drizzle the peppers with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Dipping Sauce:

1. In a food processor, blend sour cream, sweet pepper, garlic olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Peppers recipe is a flavorful, one-pan wonder that’s both easy and healthy. The chicken is tender and juicy, infused with a rich blend of spices and lemony goodness, while the sweet peppers add a crisp and vibrant touch. The homemade dipping sauce perfectly complements the savory flavors of the chicken and peppers, making every bite irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend dinner!

Tips

• Marinate for Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for perfectly cooked thighs.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give the chicken and peppers enough space on the baking sheet for even cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts for thighs, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since breasts cook faster.
• Peppers: You can use a mix of colorful bell peppers for a different flavor profile or add other veggies like zucchini or onions.
• Dipping Sauce: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or add some fresh herbs like dill for a different flavor in the dipping sauce.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, but bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge, or even bake the chicken earlier in the day and reheat it when ready to serve.

What can I serve this with? This dish pairs well with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the dipping sauce.

Serving

Serve this Sheet Pan Chicken and Peppers with a side of roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The flavorful dipping sauce adds a creamy, tangy touch that perfectly balances the spices and sweetness of the peppers.

Suggestions

For a family-friendly meal, double the recipe and serve it at your next gathering or meal prep session. It’s easy to customize and will please even picky eaters. Add more veggies to the sheet pan for a fuller, more nutritious dish!