Sheet Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken

Sheet Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken is an easy one pan meal with juicy chicken, caramelized red onions, and a simple butter vinegar sauce. Perfect for busy nights.

This Sheet Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken quickly became one of my family’s favorite dinners. It is easy, full of flavor, and the smell that fills the house while it cooks is something else. The caramelized onions turn sweet and savory, and the chicken stays juicy with a crisp golden skin that you can hear crackle when you cut into it.

I made this dish on a busy weeknight and was surprised at how effortless it was. Everything goes onto one pan, and the oven does the hard work. The red onions roast alongside the chicken, releasing a rich flavor that turns into a sauce all on its own. My wife said it was one of the best chicken dinners I have ever made, and the kids cleaned their plates without a word.

The magic of this recipe is how simple ingredients create such deep flavor. The combination of butter, red onions, vinegar, and a touch of spice transforms plain chicken into something special. It looks fancy enough for company but is easy enough for any night of the week.

Questions You May Have About This Recipe

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. You can use any bone-in or boneless cut you prefer. Breasts tend to cook faster, so keep an eye on them and reduce the oven time slightly.

Can I make this with white onions instead of red?
Yes. Red onions caramelize beautifully, but yellow or white onions also work well if that’s what you have.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep everything ahead by seasoning the chicken and slicing the onions. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.

What should I serve with this dish?
It goes great with roasted potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. The onions make a built-in sauce that complements just about anything.

Can I use chicken drumsticks or legs?
Yes. Any bone-in pieces will work. The longer cook time helps develop that roasted flavor.

What You Need to Make Sheet Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken

Ingredients

4 bone-in chicken thighs or legs

3 red onions, cut into thick wedges

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Sheet Pan Roasted Red Onion Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Arrange the chicken pieces and red onion wedges on a large baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and melted butter. Add vinegar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.

Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. The onions should be soft and caramelized.

Spoon the roasted onions and pan juices over the chicken before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Tips

Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.

Use a mix of chicken pieces if you like variety.

Add a few lemon slices for a hint of brightness.

A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end adds a nice finish.

Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven at 350°F.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe was so easy and full of flavor. The onions caramelized perfectly and made a rich sauce.” Carol W.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The chicken came out tender and juicy. My husband said it tasted like restaurant food.” Diane L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The red onions turned sweet and buttery. I used thighs and they were perfect.” Nancy F.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I added a few potatoes to the sheet pan and it made a complete meal. Great idea for busy nights.” Helen R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This one is a keeper. So simple and the flavor was incredible. I’ll be making this again soon.” Patricia G.

Printable Recipe

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