Busy weeknights call for simple, healthy, and family-approved meals. Look no further than this incredible Whole30 Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan recipe! As a parent, I know how challenging it can be to get a nutritious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe that’s not only quick to prep – just 15 minutes! – but also packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients the whole family will enjoy.
Why Sheet Pan Dinners are a Game Changer for Family Meals
Sheet pan dinners have become a staple in our home, and for good reason. They are the epitome of easy weeknight meals, offering a multitude of benefits for busy families:
- Minimal Prep & Cleanup: Everything cooks on one pan, significantly reducing both prep and dishwashing time. This recipe takes only 15 minutes to get ready for the oven!
- Healthy & Customizable: Sheet pan dinners are an excellent way to combine lean protein and a variety of vegetables. You can easily customize the veggies and seasonings to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs. This recipe is naturally Whole30, Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free!
- Family-Friendly Flavors: The simple garlic and herb seasoning in this recipe is universally appealing, even to picky eaters. The roasted potatoes and tender chicken are always a hit.
- Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and green beans makes this a cost-effective meal for families.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day, and this dish even freezes well for future easy dinners.
Introducing Our Whole30 Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
This Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan recipe takes all the advantages of sheet pan cooking and elevates it with delicious garlic flavor and wholesome ingredients. It’s designed to be a complete meal in one pan, featuring tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and green beans, all tossed in a flavorful garlic and herb blend. The optional Garlic Ranch drizzle adds a creamy, tangy finish that takes it to the next level.
Overhead view of Whole30 garlic chicken sheet pan dinner with potatoes and green beans
Ingredients You’ll Need for this Easy Family Dinner
Here’s what you’ll need to create this family-friendly easy dinner:
- Yukon gold potatoes or small creamer potatoes: These potatoes roast beautifully and become wonderfully crispy. Cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Ghee: Ghee provides a rich, buttery flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter if preferred.
- Garlic salt: A key seasoning for flavor. For Whole30, ensure your garlic salt doesn’t contain added sugar. Trader Joe’s garlic salt grinder is a great option.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into smaller pieces to ensure quick and even cooking on the sheet pan.
- Fresh green beans: Trimmed and halved. Frozen green beans can also be used – just drain excess liquid during cooking.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Whole, peeled cloves roast alongside the chicken and vegetables, infusing them with garlic flavor and becoming soft and sweet.
- Dried parsley, garlic powder (or granulated garlic), dried thyme, and pepper: Simple herbs and spices that create a classic and delicious flavor profile.
- Optional Garlic Ranch: For an extra creamy and flavorful drizzle, homemade or store-bought ranch dressing can be transformed into a Garlic Ranch with the roasted garlic cloves.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan
Follow these simple steps to make this easy and delicious family dinner:
- Preheat the Oven & Baking Sheet: Place a rimmed baking sheet in a cold oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Heating the pan as the oven preheats helps the potatoes get extra crispy.
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped potatoes with 2 tablespoons of melted ghee and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt.
- Roast the Potatoes: Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot pan and line it with parchment paper. Spread the potatoes in the center of the pan, cut side down, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Chicken and Green Beans: While the potatoes are roasting, in a large bowl, combine the cut chicken, green beans, and garlic cloves. Toss with the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted ghee and all remaining seasonings (parsley, garlic powder, thyme, pepper, and remaining garlic salt).
- Combine and Finish Roasting: Remove the potatoes from the oven (do not stir). Arrange the chicken around the edges of the pan and spread the green beans over the potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Make Garlic Ranch (Optional): Remove the roasted garlic cloves from the sheet pan. For a subtle garlic flavor, blend 5 cloves with 1 cup of ranch dressing using a blender or immersion blender. For a stronger garlic taste, add up to all 10 roasted cloves.
- Serve: Toss everything together on the sheet pan and drizzle with Garlic Ranch, if desired. Enjoy this wholesome and flavorful family dinner!
Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Dinner & Variations
- Crispy Potatoes: Preheating the baking sheet and placing the potatoes cut-side down are key to achieving crispy potatoes.
- Preventing Soggy Chicken: If your chicken has been previously frozen, it may release more moisture. To prevent soggy potatoes, follow the foil “wall” tip in the original recipe notes, separating the chicken from the potatoes on the sheet pan. You can also drain any excess liquid halfway through cooking.
- Freezing Instructions: This sheet pan dinner freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store cooked leftovers in sealed containers in the freezer for future easy meals.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap green beans for other vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Adjust roasting time as needed depending on the vegetable.
- Protein Swaps: While chicken breast is used here, you could also use chicken thighs, sausage, or even shrimp (add shrimp in the last 10-12 minutes of cooking).
Close up of plated garlic chicken sheet pan meal with ranch drizzle
Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for your family. Here’s a glance at the approximate nutritional information per serving (without ranch):
- Calories: 360kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 16g
(For complete nutritional details, please refer to the nutrition section in the recipe card above.)
This Whole30 Garlic Chicken Sheet Pan recipe is the perfect solution for busy families seeking easy, healthy, and delicious dinners. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that simplifies weeknight cooking without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Give it a try and make family mealtime a breeze!
