Something I hear frequently from my clients is “I love to cook, I just don’t have time.” Or even “I work all day, I’m exhausted, I don’t want to stand in front of the stove to make dinner.” I hear you! After a long day at the office, sometimes the last thing I want to do is cook dinner.  Not to mention if you have extracurricular activities for your children, or other responsibilities after you leave work that keep you out longer than desired or anticipated. Whether it is meal prepping, using the slow cooker, revamping leftovers into new meals later in the week, I help my clients get dinner on the table faster, with less fuss.  One of my new favorite ways of of cooking for myself (and for inspiring many of my clients ) is making sheet pan dinners.

What are sheet pan dinners? I am glad you asked. Basically sheet pan dinners involve putting all of your ingredients on a baking sheet, sticking it in the oven, and then going about your business until your dinner is done. Easy right? The possibilities are endless with this one! No standing in front of the stove, very few dishes to clean up, AND with a little planning, you can lay things out ahead of time, and ask a family member to through it in the oven so it is done by the time you get home. This roundup is of our favorite chicken sheet pan dinners, but you can certainly use other proteins if you prefer! Check out some of our favorite recipes that are quick, easy and delicious!

1. Sheet Pan Chicken and Oven Ratatouille

Photo by Klara Knezevic

This has become a regular in my rotation. It is so easy to make, and it tastes delicious! Just chopping the vegetables is honestly the hardest part. Serve with a carbohydrate to round out the meal. Check out this recipe here.

2. One Pan Spaghetti And Meatballs

Photo by Kaitlin Eckstein

Okay so technically this one doesn’t fall under the category of true sheet pan dinners (it uses a casserole dish), BUT how can you not be excited about spaghetti and meatballs that are almost completely hands off? I’m serious! No pre boiling noodles, just dump the pasta and noodles in the pan, pour in the sauce and water add the meatballs and you are ready to go! I add spinach to my dish to bump up the veggies content, but this would also go great paired with a side salad or other roasted veggies. Recipe here.

3. One Pan Ranch Chicken

Photo credit Klara Knezevic

This recipe is a winner winner chicken dinner (quite literally!). And bonus? It is low- FODMAP friendly. You can also use pre-made ranch seasoning packet to make the meal come together even faster (just be aware it is higher in sodium). Recipe here.

4. Hummus Crusted Chicken with Vegetables

Photo credit Kaitlin Eckstein

If you love hummus, you will love this recipe! So easy, and delicious! Feel free to customize the vegetables as desired. Serve with rice or pita bread! Recipe here. Why should you make this? Coating your chicken breast with hummus locks in the moisture and gives you a juicy bird, even if you accidentally leave it in a little too long!

5. One Pan Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

Photo by Kristin Jenkins, Dietetic Intern

The balsamic vinaigrette adds a nice sweet and tangy touch to the chicken in this dish! Check out the recipe here. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to knock it outta the park!

6. Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

Photo credit Kaitlin Williams Eckstein

A remake of the roasted chicken my mom made as a child! But done on one pan. Includes your protein, starch, and veggie all in one! Recipe here.

7. Chicken and Broccoli Crescent Braid

Photo credit Klara Knezevic

This is a great recipe to make with any leftover chicken you have from other meals (or even leftover rotisserie chicken!) Check out the recipe here.

8. One Pan Asparagus and Chicken

Photo by Amaris Galik, Nutrition Intern

Dinner could not get any easier with this recipe. Pair with a carbohydrate for a balanced plate. Check out the recipe here!

Do you want more help getting dinner on the table faster? Make an appointment with one of our registered dietitians by calling 301-474-2499 or clicking here. 

Updated December 2019