A bright, California-spring dinner that leans hard into seasonal broccoli, citrus, and sweet potatoes. Roasted chicken thighs stay juicy while a warm orange-leek pan sauce adds just enough elegance for a weeknight.
Details
Ingredients
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs 1 pack (about 16 oz) $7.99
- Organic Red Sweet Potato 1 large or 2 small, about 12 oz, cut into 3/4-inch wedges $2.54
- Broccoli Crowns 1 large crown, about 10 oz, cut into florets with peeled sliced stem $2.89
- Organic Leeks 1 leek, halved lengthwise, rinsed well, and sliced thin $2.99
- Organic Navel Oranges 1 orange, zested and juiced $2.21
- Organic Garlic, 3 CT 2 cloves, minced $2.89
- Organic Thyme Bunch 1 teaspoon leaves $1.99
- Pantry: olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Pantry: Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
- Pantry: honey 1 teaspoon
- Pantry: kosher salt to taste
- Pantry: black pepper to taste
- Pantry: red pepper flakes pinch, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan or large baking dish for easy cleanup. Trim 1 pack boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 16 ounces, pat dry, and season all over with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, and 1 minced garlic clove.
- Cut 1 large organic red sweet potato, about 12 ounces, into 3/4-inch wedges. Cut 1 large broccoli crown, about 10 ounces, into florets and peel and slice the stem. Toss the sweet potato and broccoli with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Spread on one side of the sheet pan.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the other side of the pan. Roast until the chicken is browned and cooked through and the vegetables are tender and caramelized, about 24 to 28 minutes, flipping the vegetables once for even color.
- While the pan roasts, prepare 1 leek by halving it lengthwise, rinsing out any grit, and slicing it thin. Zest and juice 1 organic navel orange. Mince the remaining 1 garlic clove.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and cook until softened but not deeply browned, about 4 minutes. Add the remaining minced garlic clove and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon honey. Simmer until lightly reduced and glossy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- To plate, spoon a little orange-leek sauce onto each plate. Arrange roasted sweet potato wedges and broccoli in a neat pile, then set 2 chicken thighs per plate on top or alongside. Spoon the rest of the sauce over the chicken, letting some drip onto the vegetables for shine and color contrast.
Cook time: 40 minutes
Estimated cost: $15-18
Health notes: About 640 calories per serving. Approximately 42g protein, 30g fat, 48g carbohydrates, 7g fiber. Balanced plate with lean-ish protein, roasted vegetables, and moderate starch.
Drink pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc highlights the citrus and green vegetables, while an unoaked Chardonnay works well if you want a rounder match with the roasted chicken and sweet potato.