Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken & Ranch Broccoli: Easy Dinner

Sheet pan dinners are a weeknight savior! This recipe combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the creamy coolness of ranch and the healthy goodness of broccoli, all cooked on one pan for minimal cleanup. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a family favorite and a surprisingly delicious way to get your veggies.

Why This Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Broccoli Works

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and cooking time make it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup! Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and roasted broccoli is irresistible.
• Healthy & Balanced: A good source of protein and vegetables.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the spice level and toppings to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets.
• Buffalo Sauce: Your favorite brand of buffalo wing sauce.
• Ranch Dressing: Store-bought or homemade ranch dressing.
• Olive Oil: For tossing the broccoli.
• Garlic Powder: Adds flavor to the broccoli.
• Onion Powder: Adds flavor to the broccoli.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken & Ranch Broccoli

1. Prep the Broccoli

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
• In a large bowl, toss the broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This ensures even and quick cooking.
• Place the chicken in a separate bowl and toss it with the buffalo sauce. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated.

3. Arrange on the Sheet Pan

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Spread the broccoli florets in a single layer on one side of the sheet pan.
• Arrange the buffalo chicken pieces in a single layer on the other side of the sheet pan, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding will steam the chicken and broccoli rather than roast them.

4. Bake to Perfection

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Check the broccoli halfway through. If it’s browning too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature slightly or move the sheet pan to a lower rack.

5. Drizzle with Ranch and Serve

• Remove the sheet pan from the oven.
• Drizzle the ranch dressing generously over the chicken and broccoli.
• Add your favorite toppings, such as crumbled blue cheese, chopped green onions, or red pepper flakes.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Broccoli

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding will cause the vegetables and chicken to steam instead of roast, resulting in a soggy texture. Use two sheet pans if necessary.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: Frozen broccoli tends to get mushy when roasted. Fresh broccoli will hold its shape and have a better texture.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Use a mild buffalo sauce for a less spicy dish, or add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the buffalo sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Preheat the Oven: A properly preheated oven is essential for even cooking.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
• Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken thighs are more forgiving if slightly overcooked and add more flavor. Adjust cooking time as necessary to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or cauliflower florets. Toss with buffalo sauce and roast as directed.
• Cheese it Up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese over the chicken and broccoli during the last few minutes of baking.
• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, onions, or Brussels sprouts can be added to the sheet pan along with the broccoli.
• Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or teriyaki sauce.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for extra heat.
• Different Ranch: Try a different flavor of ranch dressing, such as jalapeno ranch or avocado ranch.
• Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes to the sheet pan. Potatoes require a longer cook time, so add them 10 minutes before the broccoli and chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Main Course: Serve the sheet pan buffalo chicken and ranch broccoli as a complete meal.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
• In a Wrap or Salad: Use the chicken and broccoli as a filling for wraps or add it to a salad.
• With a Side Salad: Serve with a simple side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the ranch dressing.

The Health Benefits

This Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Broccoli isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients!

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Broccoli: Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Broccoli supports immune function, bone health, and digestion.
• Olive Oil: A healthy fat that’s good for your heart.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: Add flavor and may have some antioxidant properties.

While Ranch dressing isn’t known for its nutritional benefits, you can opt for a lighter version or make your own with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

Making Your Own Ranch Dressing

For a healthier and fresher option, consider making your own ranch dressing:Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

This homemade ranch is healthier, tastes great, and allows you to control the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen broccoli? While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Can I make this ahead of time? The chicken and broccoli are best served immediately. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the broccoli, cutting the chicken, and tossing them separately with their respective seasonings. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
• How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I reheat this dish? Yes, you can reheat the chicken and broccoli in the oven, microwave, or air fryer. The oven or air fryer will help retain the crispness of the broccoli.
• What if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly? If the chicken pieces vary in size, they may cook unevenly. Try to cut the chicken into uniform pieces. If some pieces are cooking faster than others, you can remove them from the sheet pan and continue cooking the rest.
• Can I grill this recipe? While this recipe is designed for the oven, you can adapt it for the grill. Place the chicken and broccoli in a grill basket or on a sheet of aluminum foil and grill over medium heat until cooked through.

Sheet Pan Cooking: A Versatile Technique

Sheet pan cooking is a fantastic method for preparing quick, healthy, and delicious meals. Its versatility extends far beyond this recipe, making it a valuable skill to have in the kitchen.

• Salmon and Asparagus: A classic pairing that cooks beautifully on a sheet pan.
• Roasted Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes roast perfectly on a sheet pan.
• Sausage and Peppers: Italian sausage with bell peppers and onions makes a hearty and flavorful sheet pan meal.
• Fajitas: Slice chicken or steak with bell peppers and onions and roast for delicious fajitas.
• Breakfast Hash: Potatoes, onions, peppers, and sausage or bacon come together for a satisfying breakfast.

The Buffalo Chicken Craze: Why We Love It

Buffalo chicken has become a beloved flavor profile, expanding far beyond its original form of Buffalo wings. The combination of tangy, spicy buffalo sauce and creamy, cool ranch dressing is a winning formula that works in various dishes.

• Buffalo Chicken Dip: A crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A spicy and flavorful twist on traditional pizza.
• Buffalo Chicken Salad: A hearty and flavorful salad.
• Buffalo Chicken Wraps: An easy and portable lunch or dinner.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Comfort food with a kick.

The versatility of buffalo chicken allows for endless creativity in the kitchen, making it a popular choice for home cooks and restaurants alike.

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