Sweet Chili Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors in one easy, comforting meal. The rich heat from the sweet chili sauce marries beautifully with tender, roasted chicken and a colorful medley of vegetables, creating a deliciously satisfying meal for any occasion. This dish is ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a weeknight treat that feels special.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By tossing chicken and vegetables in a flavorful marinade of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of lime juice, you get a well-rounded flavor profile that’s both tangy and slightly spicy. Roasting everything together results in a meal where the chicken is juicy, the vegetables are tender and caramelized, and the entire dish is infused with the rich flavors of the marinade. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. With the right balance of heat and sweetness, Sweet Chili Roasted Chicken and Vegetables will quickly become a go-to dish in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Bold Flavor Combination
The sweet chili sauce gives the dish a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, while the soy sauce and garlic add depth.
2. Easy One-Pan Meal
This dish is cooked in one pan, making it not only easy to prepare but also simple to clean up afterward.
3. Versatile with Vegetables
You can use any vegetables you like or have on hand, making it a customizable and versatile recipe.
4. Quick to Prepare
With minimal prep time, you can get this dish in the oven quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
5. Crowd-Pleasing
The combination of tender chicken and roasted vegetables is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making it a great meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken or chicken thighs
- Sweet chili sauce
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Zucchini
- Salt
- Pepper
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Lemon Zest: Swap lime juice with lemon juice and zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Grilled Version: Instead of roasting, you can grill the chicken and vegetables for a smoky flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten up the dish right before serving.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
If using whole chicken, cut it into parts or use chicken thighs. Peel and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Vegetables
Place the chicken pieces and chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over everything, tossing to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
Step 5: Roast in the Oven
Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a large baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast for about 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the roasted chicken and vegetables with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- For extra crispy chicken skin, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- If you prefer your vegetables to be softer, consider adding them to the pan halfway through the cooking process.
- Marinate the chicken and vegetables longer for a more intense flavor—overnight marination works great.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give the chicken and vegetables enough space for even roasting.
- If you like a thicker sauce, reserve some of the marinade and reduce it in a pan over medium heat while the chicken cooks.
How to Serve
This Sweet Chili Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is delicious served over steamed rice or quinoa. You can also pair it with a fresh green salad to add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory dish. If you prefer a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a low-carb vegetable side like roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and vegetables for up to 3 months. Just ensure everything is cooled before packing it into a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker reheating option.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can. Just be aware that chicken breasts will cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili flakes, hot sauce, or even a fresh chili pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.
3. Can I make this recipe with just vegetables?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by roasting just the vegetables with the sweet chili marinade.
4. What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can substitute with a mixture of honey and sriracha sauce or use a regular chili sauce with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness.
5. Can I use other vegetables besides the ones listed?
Yes, you can use vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, or even butternut squash. The recipe is highly adaptable to what you have on hand.
6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.
7. Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting it?
Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor and can be a great alternative if you prefer grilling.
8. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 15 minutes to overnight for maximum flavor. Just be sure not to marinate for too long if you are using a highly acidic marinade.
9. Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken will cook faster, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
10. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast them.
Conclusion
Sweet Chili Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of sweet chili sauce, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that infuses the chicken and vegetables with bold, savory flavors. Perfect for any occasion, this one-pan meal is not only delicious but also convenient and versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish offers the right balance of flavor, ease, and satisfaction.
PrintSweet Chili Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet Chili Roasted Chicken and Vegetables is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with tender roasted chicken paired with colorful vegetables, all glazed in a flavorful sweet chili sauce. The chicken becomes beautifully caramelized and juicy, while the vegetables soak up all the delicious sauce. This dish is an easy yet impressive meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or a special family gathering. The sweet chili sauce adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 tbsp honey
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp grated ginger
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup baby carrots
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 zucchini, sliced
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1 red onion, quartered
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1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
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2–3 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan or baking sheet.
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Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
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Marinate the Chicken: Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for more flavor).
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables. Place the carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
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Roast the Chicken and Vegetables: Arrange the vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and color.
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Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for garnish. Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables.
Notes
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If you prefer extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of roasting.
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You can customize the vegetables by adding others like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or broccoli.
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For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or chili slices to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for marinating)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Poultry
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American
Keywords: Sweet chili chicken, roasted chicken and vegetables, chili roasted chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, roasted chicken with vegetables, easy roasted chicken recipe