The smoky aroma of chipotle fills the kitchen. These Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Broccoli roast to perfection. They blend tender, juicy chicken with crisp-tender florets. Everything happens in one easy pan. This Mexican-inspired dish delivers bold flavors. Yet, it requires little effort. So, it suits weeknight dinners perfectly. The skin crisps up beautifully. Meanwhile, the seasoning infuses everything with subtle heat.
I appreciate this recipe. It comes together in under 40 minutes. Thus, it fits busy evenings well. You want something healthy yet satisfying. Leftovers reheat nicely. They keep the chicken moist too. So, it’s ideal for meal prep. Family members always go back for seconds. The zesty lime finish makes it special.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: Ready in just 40 minutes total. Ideal for busy weeknights. And it doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
- One-Pan Ease: Minimal cleanup awaits. Everything roasts together. On a single sheet pan.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packs protein and veggies. With smoky chipotle notes. For a nutritious meal.
- Family Favorite: Tender chicken shines. Charred broccoli appeals too. To all ages. Customize spice levels easily.
Ingredients to make Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
These ingredients create a smoky, zesty profile. They highlight the chicken’s richness. Meanwhile, they keep broccoli vibrant and tender. Choose fresh, high-quality items. Like bone-in thighs. They ensure great texture and taste. In this simple roast.
- Chicken thighs – Bone-in, skin-on works best. For juicy meat. And crispy skin. It absorbs the chipotle rub beautifully.
- Broccoli florets – Fresh heads cut even. They roast tender. With a slight char.
- Olive oil – Divide it for use. Coat the chicken rub. Toss the veggies too. For even cooking.
- Chipotle seasoning – Or adobo sauce adds smoky heat. Signature style. Adjust for your spice preference.
- Garlic powder – It adds savory depth. To the seasoning mix. Without overpowering chipotle.
- Smoked paprika – Enhances earthy flavors. Like barbecue notes. In the rub.
- Salt and pepper – Basic to taste. They balance the dish’s boldness.
- Lime juice – Fresh squeeze at end. For bright acidity. It cuts through richness.
- Cilantro – Optional chopped garnish. Adds fresh contrast. Herbaceous touch.
Scroll down for helpful tips. And the full recipe. With precise measurements. In the card below.
How to Make Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Line a sheet pan with parchment. Or foil prevents sticking. It makes cleanup easy. Preheat oven to 425°F. For optimal roasting. It crisps chicken skin. While tenderizing broccoli.
Step 2: Make the Seasoning Rub
In a small bowl, combine ingredients. Chipotle seasoning goes in first. Add garlic powder and smoked paprika. Mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Include salt and pepper. Until it forms a thick paste. This rub infuses chicken boldly. With smoky flavors from the start.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry. Use paper towels for this. It helps rub adhere. And promotes crispiness. Generously coat each thigh. With the seasoning mixture. Arrange them on one side. Of the prepared sheet pan.
Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli
Toss broccoli florets evenly. With remaining olive oil. Add a pinch of salt. And pepper too. Until coated well. Spread them on the other side. Of the sheet pan. Ensure space for roasting. And some charring.
Step 5: Roast Everything Together
Place sheet pan in oven. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes. Until chicken hits 165°F inside. Broccoli becomes tender. With slightly charred edges. Check halfway through. Rotate pan if needed. For uniform cooking.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven now. Squeeze fresh lime juice over all. For a bright, tangy lift. Garnish with chopped cilantro. If you like it. Then serve hot. For best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinate Ahead: Let chicken sit with rub. In the fridge up to 2 hours. It deepens smoky chipotle flavor. Without extra effort.
- Boost the Heat: Add more chipotle seasoning. Or fresh chopped peppers. If you crave spice. But taste the rub first.
- Check Doneness Early: Use a meat thermometer. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Avoid overcooking broccoli. Keep it crisp-tender.
- Gluten-Free Check: Verify seasonings are certified. Gluten-free as needed. Maintain the recipe’s natural status.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle cilantro. Fresh chopped over the top. It adds herbaceous freshness. Complements smoky chipotle well. Place lime wedges aside. Everyone adds more zing. These touches brighten the dish. Without much work.
Side Dishes
Pair with cilantro-lime rice. Fluffy kind soaks up juices. Adds cozy carbs too. Or try green salad. With avocado for creaminess. It cools the heat. These keep the meal balanced. Satisfying for family.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange chicken and broccoli. On a large platter. Family-style works great. For a vibrant centerpiece. Golden hues shine. Drizzle pan juices over top. For extra flavor. Glossy finish too. It feels special. Yet effortless for dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers airtight. In the fridge container. They stay fresh up to 3 days. Keep chicken and broccoli together. Retain moisture from juices. Easy for quick lunches.
Freezing
Portion the cooled Sheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Broccoli. Into freezer-safe bags. Flatten for space. They freeze well up to 2 months. Without much texture loss. Thaw overnight in fridge. Before reheating.
Reheating
Warm in oven at 350°F. For 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil. Prevents drying chicken skin. Or microwave in bursts. Stir halfway for even heat. Either way, add lime squeeze. It revives flavors nicely.
PrintSheet Pan Chipotle Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
An easy, flavorful sheet pan dinner featuring smoky chipotle-seasoned chicken thighs roasted alongside tender broccoli for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons chipotle seasoning or adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
- In a small bowl, mix chipotle seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper to form a rub.
- Pat chicken thighs dry and rub the seasoning mixture all over them. Place on one side of the sheet pan.
- Toss broccoli florets with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the other side of the sheet pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally and broccoli is tender and slightly charred.
- Squeeze lime juice over everything before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more chipotle seasoning or fresh chopped chipotle peppers.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free; ensure your seasonings are certified if needed.
- Chicken can be marinated in the rub for up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.












