There is not much I love more than an easy, healthy dinner that requires minimal prep and minimal dishes (and I have a feeling I’m not alone on that one.) Well, this apricot chicken sheet pan dinner is just that! It’s healthy, it’s quick and easy to make, it’s even easier to clean up, it’s delicious, and bonus: the kids love it too!
What is the benefit to making a sheet pan meal?
There are plenty of benefits to cooking up a sheet pan dinner! They’re healthy, they pretty much always include veggies and a protein, they’re customizable, they’re easy to prep, and they’re made using just one pan which makes for super easy cleanup! If you love sheet pan meals as much as I do, check out my chicken fajita sheet pan dinner, my sheet pan sausage and potatoes, my sheet pan mini meatloaf and roasted potatoes, or my sheet pan honey garlic chicken thighs!
Are sheet pan dinners safe?
Yes! Sheet pan dinners are safe as long as everything in the pan is fully cooked before serving. For chicken, that means the internal temperature should be a minimum of 165ºF.
Ingredients for this Apricot Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
I wanted to keep this sheet pan meal healthy with plenty of veggies but I also wanted to still have lots of flavor so the kiddos would eat it. Turns out, a super simple microwave glaze was the perfect fix! Here’s what you’ll need:
Potatoes: I use creamer potatoes so I don’t have to slice them. You can use standard sized potatoes, just be sure to cut them into similarly sized chunks! Carrots: peeled and thinly sliced. I like to slice mine pretty darn thin so they become soft in the oven, but if you prefer your carrots to have a bit of bite feel free to slice them a little bit thicker. Chicken Breasts: you’ll need 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts. I recommend finding ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly and fully. Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Paprika, and Onion Powder: a simple spice blend that’s used on both the veggies and the chicken to add tons of flavor. Oil: coats the veggies and chicken to add moisture and help the seasonings stick. Apricot Jam, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Cider Vinegar, and Cornstarch: makes up a simple sweet, salty, and tangy apricot glaze.
How to Make Apricot Chicken
This apricot chicken dinner comes together with just 15 minutes of prep! Just throw everything on a sheet pan, bake it for 30 minutes, then eat up!
Tips and tricks for making this apricot chicken sheet pan dinner
Chicken breasts come in all shapes and sizes, which can affect the cook time. If you’re using small chicken breasts, you may want to give the veggies a 5-10 minute head start before adding the chicken to the pan. If you’re using large chicken breasts, you may want to let them cook a bit before you add the veggies. Slice your own carrots. Yes, the baby carrots you buy at the store are more convenient, but they actually take much longer to cook than carrot slices. Plus, peeled and sliced larger carrots have better flavor! Use whatever veggies you like! I love the little potatoes with the carrots, but anything goes! Try it with asparagus, broccoli, squash, zucchini, green beans, red onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, you name it! Whatever you use, keep in mind the amount of baking time they require and adjust as needed. Line the baking sheet This makes for an even easier cleanup! Once you’re done, you can just take the parchment paper off and toss it. Then all you have to do is give the pan a quick once-over and it’s good to go. No elbow grease required!
Serving suggestions
This apricot chicken and veggie dinner is delicious on it’s own, but I do love to bulk the meal up with a side of brown rice, dinner rolls, or quinoa pilaf
How to store
Leftover chicken and veggies will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, if frozen, then rewarm in the microwave, in a skillet on the stove, or on a lined baking sheet at 350ºF until hot. Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again. Register Now Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
