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Taking sheet pan dinners to a whole new level with this Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken With Citrus Avocado Salsa.
I didn’t mean for this to happen, but apparently this week’s recipes are all about winter citrus. From Monday’s salmon, to yesterday’s smoothie, and on to today’s Cuban chicken. Citrus obsessed? Maybe just a little, but I’m fully embracing all the produce winter has to offer and loving it!
Do you know what I’m also loving? Sheet pan dinners, which you will soon realize, as I have a few more sheet pan recipes coming your way this month. Like most everyone else in the world, I’m all about a dinner that can be made entirely on one pan. Using just one pan means less to clean, minimal hands-on time, and typically a pretty quick-cooking meal. Uh? A big fat yes to that!
All of the above means more time to spend cozied up by the fire on these super cold January nights. And when I say super cold, I mean super freaking cold. I’m talking a brisk five degrees…although I shouldn’t be complaining, because this is the mellowest winter ever here in Colorado. I think you guys on the east coast might be having colder temps, in which case, you should definitely be cozied up by the fire while this Cuban chicken cooks in the oven.
Just saying.
Anyway, when I was brainstorming recipes for the month, I knew that I really wanted to incorporate all the beautiful winter citrus. For whatever reason, whenever it comes oranges, grapefruits, and other winter citrus, my first thought is to just simply eat them, as opposed to using them in recipes. Growing up, my dad didn’t cook with much citrus (not even lemons or limes), but we ate plenty of oranges and grapefruits as snacks. It wasn’t until I started cooking that I learned how delicious citrus can be in savory recipes.
I feel like I don’t use citrus enough. It’s truly one of the best additions to so many recipes, and when I actually put a little thought into it, I find there are a million and one ways to use these vibrant fruits in savory ways.
Enter this Cuban Chicken.
Cuban cuisine is known for being extra citrusy, so it’s the perfect kind of food to make during these winter months when the grocery store is filled to the brim with blood oranges, Cara Cara oranges, grapefruits, and those cute little clementines.
Like most sheet pan recipes, this one is pretty simple. Season your chicken, add your veggies…roast, roast, roast…and while that’s happening make the salsa. Serve it all up and done!
It’s literally a two-step process. In turn, you’ll have the most perfect citrusy chicken dinner complete with roasted potatoes, veggies, and even salsa. I mean, I’m not sure it gets better.
The chicken is pretty classically seasoned with a good amount of fresh orange and lime juice, plenty of garlic, oregano, and cumin. If you have extra time, I highly recommend marinating the chicken for a couple of hours before roasting to really intensify the flavor and to make for an extra tender and moist chicken.
The salsa…
To go along with the chicken, potatoes, and peppers, I made a quick salsa. I used the cutest little blood oranges that friends brought for me all the way from their California backyard! They’re under-ripe right now, so they don’t have their bright red hue just yet, but I kind of love their extra tart flavor. They make for a perfect salsa to spoon over top this chicken. The salsa adds a pop of fresh greens and zingy citrus flavor.
You CANNOT skip it.
It’s my favorite part, but then I say that about every fruit salsa recipe (I’m obsessed).
And lastly, if all my rambling on about how good this recipe is has yet to convince you to make it, just look at all the pretty colors happening here. The colors alone tell you this is a must-make recipe.
Pretty food = GOOD food.
OKAY, that might not always be true, but in today’s case, it’s true, you need to make this chicken!
Looking for more sheet pan recipes…click here!
if you make this Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken With Citrus Avocado Salsa, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Watch the How-To Video:
Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken With Citrus Avocado Salsa
Servings: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: 451 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons orange zest + orange juice
- zest + juice of 1 lime
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 sweet onion, sliced
- 2 russet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 small orange, sliced
Citrus Avocado Salsa
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 orange, diced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- juice from 1 lime
- pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.2. On a rimmed baking sheet, combine the chicken, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne, orange juice + zest, lime juice + zest, and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken. Add the onions, potatoes, and bell peppers, and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Arrange everything in an even layer. Add the orange slices and then transfer to the oven. Roast for 40-45 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes golden. 3. Meanwhile, make the salsa. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. 4. To serve, top the chicken with the salsa. Eat!
You do.
I have been a huge fan of yours for the last 4 years. Every single HBH dish I’ve made is not only delicious but really makes me feel more confident in the kitchen. I had to comment on this post because I am Cuban and I grew up in Miami surrounded by all of the most delicious, authentic Cuban food. I recently moved to Texas and have been desperately missing the dishes I grew up loving.
THIS DISH BLEW ME AWAY!
I can’t say I’ve had this specific dish before but all of the flavors were spot on. The cumin, citrus, avocados and bell peppers all made me smile when I saw them on the ingredient list.
Not only was this a delicious, authentic Cuban meal but it made my house smell like my Abuela’s (Grandma’s) house,
Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes, but especially this one. I even shared it with my family in Miami and they’re having it for dinner tonight.
This is so sweet! I am so glad this recipe could bring you back to growing up and it turned out amazing, Amanda! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I made this tonight and I have to say when I make making it I was thinking to myself ..yikes this is a lot of different flavors. But when it was done in my
God! Such fresh bright flavors that all meshed so well together. This is a delicious dinner !! I made the “marinade” ahead of time and let chicken soak. Very tender and juicy. 10/10 would make again !
That is so great!! Thank you so much India!! xTieghan
Amazing! And such beautiful fresh unexpected flavor! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Brenda! xTieghan
This is so yummy!! The salsa is amazing and I love the flavor combo. Super easy too..make it!!
Thank you so much Ann! xTieghan
I don’t leave reviews often, but after making this for the first time, my wife and I are hooked! The citrus was incredible! I used 4 boneless/skinless chicken thighs and they were incredibly moist. The veggies were to die for! I couldn’t believe the flavors that the potatoes, pepper and onions took on from the citrus. I used blood oranges in the chicken and a sumo mandarin orange in the salsa (you MUST have the salsa!). My wife said it all after she cleaned her plate in about three minutes…”This is f-ing great! Make more next time!”
Thank you so much Pete! I am so glad this recipe turned out amazing for you! xTieghan
I have seen this recipe a few times in my Facebook feed and finally decided to make it for dinner tonight. Oh my I am glad I did! The flavours were incredible and the salsa paired very well with the chicken. Thank you Tiegan for a quick and delicious recipe!
I am so glad this turned out so amazing for you, Sylvie! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I made this this week and it tasted great, but almost ruined my sheet pan and silicone mat. Is there a good way to protect the pan? And what do you use to clean your pans?
I love your site, and cookbook. Keep up the good work!
Hi Rachel, what kind of sheet pan are you using? I am so sorry your pan was ruined!! I don’t usually have any issues at all. I just rinse my pans under water. Please let me know if you have any other questions. So glad you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Made this for a family dinner and everyone loved it, I used chix thighsband they were so tender and juicy. The salsa was so yummy I should have doubled it. Definitely,making this again.
I am so glad you loved this recipe, Barb! Thank you! xTieghan
Are there any additional side dishes you’d recommend to round out a complete dinner with this recipe as the main dish? A bread? And, how about a dessert recommendation?
Hey Rob! I recommend serving this with a side of steamed rice and black beans. For dessert, try my banana galette. recipe below! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/warm-chocolate-banana-galette/
Oh. My. God. This was the most delicious meal! Everyone in my family loved it and there were no leftovers, which made me a bit sad. The flavors are so vibrant and delicious. We will make this again and again. Thank you!
Thank you so much Kelly! I am so glad you and your family loved this recipe!!
Would this work for bone in chicken thighs and drumsticks? Maybe shorten the cooking time?
Hey Zoe! Bone in chicken will take much longer to cook. I would tack on 15-20 minutes, but I do think it will work great! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, yeah, made this for supper tonight. It was delish.I definitely will be adding this to the rotation. My husband and I both loved it. Thank you. Love the sheet pan recipes!!! Keep up the great work and don’t doubt yourself. You are so gifted and talented. I am thankful to have found you.
I am so thankful that you found my site as well! And I am so glad you and your husband loved this recipe! Thank you Becky!
I made this tonight and ultimately it was delicious! However when I checked on the potoates half way, the chicken was totally done. I had to remove it from the oven and put the potatoes on a separate baking sheet back in the oven bc they were just drowning in juice and not roasting. After those adjustments and 40 min for the potatoes, everything was delicious!
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much Elise!
This was delicious, easy, and really affordable for me to make! My boyfriend is happy, my stomach is full, and I’ll absolutely be making this again. Thank you!
Thank you so much Katie! I am so glad you and your boyfriend loved this!
Absolutely lovedddd this! So refreshing, full of flavor, easy!!!! Super healthy!
YES! I am so glad you loved this recipe Viviana! Thank you!