Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Ethiopia with this mouthwatering Berbere Sheet Pan Dinner! Imagine a single pan filled with perfectly roasted chicken and colorful vegetables, infused with the bold, complex spices of berbere - a traditional Ethiopian spice blend that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine. This easy, one-pan marvel delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the ultimate solution for busy home cooks craving an exotic and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
- 2 tablespoons berbere spice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy exterior when roasting.
- Wash and chop the mixed vegetables into roughly 1-inch pieces. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs and chopped vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the berbere spice blend over the chicken and vegetables. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Arrange the chicken thighs and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and browning.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist chicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Tips
- Ensure your chicken thighs are patted completely dry before seasoning to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give your ingredients breathing room to roast properly and develop deep, rich flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving.
- If you can't find berbere spice locally, you can create a similar blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other warming spices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 125mg
