Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Sheet Pan Chicken with Jammy Tomatoes and Pancetta is your ticket to an effortless yet impressive meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With golden-crisp chicken, burst-in-your-mouth tomatoes, and crispy pancetta, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 200g pancetta, diced
- 500g cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread olive oil evenly across a large rimmed sheet pan to prevent sticking. This will also help create a non-stick surface for the chicken and vegetables.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on the sheet pan, leaving space between each piece for proper heat circulation.
- Scatter diced pancetta around the chicken thighs, distributing evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Add whole cherry tomatoes around the chicken, ensuring they are in a single layer. The tomatoes will roast and become jammy during cooking.
- Drizzle an additional tablespoon of olive oil over the tomatoes and pancetta to enhance caramelization.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken skin is golden brown and crispy, and internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves just before serving for an aromatic finish.
- Serve hot directly from the sheet pan, allowing the jammy roasted tomatoes and crispy pancetta to complement the chicken.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure the crispiest skin possible.
- Use high-quality, thick-cut pancetta for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the sheet pan - give ingredients space to caramelize and roast properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano alongside the thyme.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the most jammy, flavorful result.
- If you prefer less fat, you can substitute pancetta with bacon or omit for a lighter version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 180mg
