Sheet-Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken Recipe
This Sheet-Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken is a simple, flavorful one-pan meal that combines the sweetness of roasted red onions with tender, juicy chicken. Enhanced by fresh herbs, garlic, and a smoky paprika seasoning, this recipe delivers a comforting and elegant dish perfect for any dinner table.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 medium red onions, sliced into 3/4“-thick wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh sage
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme, plus more for serving
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 (3 1/2- to 4-lb.) whole chicken, or 8 assorted chicken pieces
- 2 tsp. paprika
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp. sweet white vinegar
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven with no rack above it and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking sheet on the rack to preheat alongside the oven.
- Combine Onions and Herbs: In a large bowl, mix the sliced red onions, peeled garlic cloves, chopped fresh sage, chopped fresh thyme, and extra-virgin olive oil. Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat the onions well, separating some but not all onion layers.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Season it all over with paprika, 4 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Position the chicken breast side up on a clean surface. Optionally, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips underneath the body for even cooking.
- Arrange Onions and Chicken on the Baking Sheet: Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven. Spread the onion mixture evenly over the sheet. Place the chicken in the center on top of the onions.
- Roast Chicken and Onions: Roast in the oven, rotating the pan halfway through cooking, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thigh when checked with an instant-read thermometer. This will take about 60 to 70 minutes.
- Make the Onion Sauce: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Take half of the roasted onions and all the garlic cloves and place them into a blender. Add the softened butter, sweet white vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Break down the chicken into 8 pieces. Transfer the remaining roasted onions onto a serving platter, place the chicken pieces on top, and spoon the smooth onion sauce over the chicken. Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Notes
- Tying the chicken legs together and tucking wings under helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used, but reduce the quantity by half.
- Rest the chicken for 10 minutes after roasting before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
- The onion sauce adds a creamy, tangy flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
Keywords: roasted chicken, sheet pan dinner, red onions, herb chicken, one-pan meal, paprika chicken, easy chicken recipe