Spicy Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables 

This Easy Spicy Roasted Chicken & Vegetables recipe features juicy, spice-packed chicken paired with perfectly roasted root veggies — all baked together on one pan for minimal prep and cleanup.

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Whether you’re doing some meal prep for the week, cooking for your family on busy weeknights, or craving a cozy weekend dinner, this well-spiced dish is so flavorful and easy to make.

I’ve made this dish many, many times. I usually change the spices and the fiber-filled veggies. Instead of garam masala and smoked paprika, I have used curry powder and cayenne or a mixture of coriander, cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Similarly, I have used bell peppers, zucchini, and parsnips. This sheet pan chicken is my idea of comfort food, my good mood food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, spicy flavor from garam masala and paprika
• All-in-one sheet pan meal — easy prep & cleanup
• Family-friendly and comforting
• Naturally gluten-free
• Customizable — some of the ingredients can be substituted to fit your preference

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that perfect spicy-savory balance, we use a signature dry rub and a mix of hearty vegetables.

The Spice Mix:

• Garam Masala: The heart of the dish, providing warmth.
• Smoked Paprika: For color and a subtle smoky sweetness.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.

The Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Drumsticks: Dark meat chicken works best in this dinner. I have made this with chicken drumsticks as well as skinless chicken thighs. Skinless chicken breast tends to dry out, so I would refrain from using it here.
• Potatoes: Any potatoes, russet potatoes chopped up, or baby potatoes.
• Cauliflower: Spiced cauliflower is one of my favorite roasted veggies. If you find a purple cauliflower or an orange one, that would add a vibrant color to this recipe.
• Carrots: For a hint of sweetness.
• Red Onion: Caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Whole Cloves Garlic: Roasted whole for mellow, buttery bites.
• Olive Oil: Is the perfect vehicle for the seasonings.

How to Make Spicy Roasted Chicken (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Spice Mix
   In a small bowl, whisk together your garam masala, paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
2. Season the Chicken and Vegetables
   Place your chicken drumsticks in a large roasting pan or aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Now, there are two ways to add the flavored oil. One, drizzle the flavored oil all over the chicken and veggies and, using your hands, rub the mix into everything. And, two, use a pastry brush or any cooking brush and brush the flavored oil onto the chicken and veggies so they are well-coated with the seasonings.
3. Roast
   First 25 Minutes: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C). This steams the chicken to keep it juicy.
   Final 20 Minutes: Remove the foil and roast for another 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This allows the chicken skin to crisp up and the vegetables to caramelize.

Tips for the Best Roasted Chicken

• Pump up the flavor: For extra flavor and juicier meat, marinate chicken in the oil and spice rub overnight.
  
• Don’t Overcrowd: If the pan is too full, the vegetables will steam rather than roast. Use two pans if needed.
  
• The “Fork Tender” Test: Check the potatoes; if they slide off a fork easily, they are done.
  
• Swap Your Veggies: This recipe works great with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or sweet potatoes. Just adjust cook times accordingly.
  
• Even roasting: Cut vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
  
• Want More heat? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?
While I prefer chicken drumsticks or chicken things, chicken breasts can be used too, but reduce the cooking time. Chicken breasts and lean chicken can dry out quickly, so check them with a meat thermometer (they should reach 165°F).

Is Garam Masala spicy?
No. Garam Masala is flavorful. It is a “warming” spice that is not “hot.” It contains ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. Much like harissa, it is a blend of spices and can vary from region to region. If you want more heat, add ½ teaspoon (or more) of cayenne powder to the rub.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, in a skillet over a stovetop, or air fryer at 350°F. Reheating this in a microwave might result in soggy veggies.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this clean eating dish with:

• Garnished with some fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro.
• A slight drizzle of sriracha or lemon juice.
• A fresh garden salad
• Spicy Sautéed Broccoli & Asparagus
• Sauteed cucumber
• Harissa sauteed green beans
• Crusty dinner rolls to sop up the juices

Want more easy, unique chicken recipes? Then try these:

• Quinoa & Chicken Biryani
• Date & Tamarind Chicken
• Chicken Lasagna Soup
• Warm Chicken Salad
• Easy Harissa Lemon Chicken
• Za’atar Ras-el-hanout Chicken Spinach Dish
• One Pan Pearl Couscous with Chicken
• Easy Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
• Curried Chicken Stuffed Buns

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you make this recipe, please let me know in the comments below what you think of it, or tag your creation on social media with @savoryspin or #savoryspin.
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