Sheet-Pan Chicken With Jammy Tomatoes and Pancetta

Sheet-Pan Chicken With Jammy Tomatoes and Pancetta

In this relatively speedy sheet-pan dinner, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are seasoned with a savory, cumin-scented spice mix and roasted with whole garlic cloves and cherry tomatoes, which turn soft and sweet in the oven’s heat. If you have ripe summer cherry tomatoes, you can skip the brown sugar. If you’d rather use boneless chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time by about 5 to 7 minutes. This makes a light meal on its own, but you can add rice or crusty bread, and maybe a salad, if you need something more substantial.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless

    skinless chicken thighs

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

    plus more as needed

  • 9 whole unpeeled garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

    plus more for drizzling

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

    plus more for serving

  • 1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

    optional

  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes

    halved, preferably different colors

  • 2 ounces diced pancetta or bacon
  • 1/4 cup torn fresh dill

    parsley or other herbs, for serving

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 425 degrees. Season chicken all over with salt, and place on a rimmed baking sheet.

  2. 2

    Smash all the garlic cloves with the side of a knife and peel them. Finely grate one garlic clove and put it in a small bowl. Stir in the 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, paprika, oregano, brown sugar (if using) and cumin. Pour over chicken, tossing to coat.

  3. 3

    Add tomatoes and remaining smashed, peeled garlic cloves to baking sheet, spreading them out around the chicken. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and drizzle with a little more olive oil. Scatter pancetta on top.

  4. 4

    Roast until chicken is golden and cooked through, about 30 to 35 minutes. After 15 minutes, stir the tomatoes and pancetta, but don’t disturb the chicken.

  5. 5

    Transfer chicken to plates. Stir the tomatoes and pancetta around in the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom and sides, and stir in the herbs and black pepper to taste. Taste and add salt, if needed, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if you like. Spoon tomatoes, garlic and pancetta over the chicken to serve.

Sheet-Pan Chicken With Jammy Tomatoes and Pancetta

Sheet-Pan Chicken With Jammy Tomatoes and Pancetta

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About this Recipe

Craving a dinner that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to clean up? This Sheet-Pan Chicken With Jammy Tomatoes and Pancetta is your answer, bringing together tender chicken, sweet roasted tomatoes, and savory notes all on a single pan.

The magic of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are coated in an aromatic, cumin-scented spice mix, then roasted alongside whole garlic cloves and vibrant cherry tomatoes. The high heat of the oven coaxes incredible sweetness from the tomatoes, transforming them into irresistibly jammy bursts of flavor, all while the pancetta crisps up beautifully.

Expect a symphony of textures and tastes. Each bite delivers succulent chicken, infused with paprika and oregano, perfectly complemented by the soft, sweet pockets of roasted garlic and the bright, tangy pop of the tomatoes. The diced pancetta adds a wonderful crispness and rich, salty counterpoint, while a final drizzle of fresh lemon juice and a scatter of herbs elevate the dish with a vibrant finish. It’s a wholesome, flavorful meal that feels much more elaborate than the minimal effort required.

This versatile sheet-pan dinner offers plenty of room for personal touches. If you prefer, swap the chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts, just remember to reduce the cooking time by about 5 to 7 minutes to keep them juicy. For truly ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes, you can easily skip the brown sugar. Don't have pancetta? Diced bacon makes a fantastic substitute. Finish with torn fresh dill, parsley, or your favorite other herbs for a fresh flourish.

Serve this Sheet-Pan Chicken With Jammy Tomatoes and Pancetta as a light, flavorful meal on its own. For a heartier option, it pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy rice, crusty bread to sop up the pan juices, or a simple green salad.

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