Thanksgiving Sheet Pan Dinner for Two: A Cozy Holiday Feast
Thanksgiving doesn’t always mean hosting a crowd and spending days in the kitchen. For smaller gatherings, especially for two, a sheet pan Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect solution. It’s quick, easy, and minimizes cleanup, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without the overwhelming stress. This recipe brings all the classic Thanksgiving flavors onto one sheet pan, creating a delicious and intimate feast for you and your loved one.
## Why a Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner?
* **Simplicity:** One pan means less cooking time and drastically reduced cleanup.
* **Perfect Portion Size:** This recipe is designed for two, eliminating leftovers that linger for days.
* **Flavorful:** Roasting brings out the best in all the ingredients, creating a concentrated and delicious flavor profile.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Cozy and Intimate:** Enjoy a relaxing and delicious Thanksgiving meal together without the fuss of a large gathering.
## Ingredients:
* **Protein:**
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (turkey breast cutlets can also be used)
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* Dried thyme
* Dried rosemary
* Smoked paprika
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
* 1 red onion, cut into wedges
* 1 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 1 apple (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries
* **Cranberry Sauce (Quick & Easy):**
* 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 2 tablespoons sugar (or maple syrup)
* Pinch of orange zest (optional)
* **Gravy (Optional, but recommended):**
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
## Equipment:
* Large sheet pan
* Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup)
* Mixing bowls
* Small saucepan (for cranberry sauce)
* Small saucepan or whisk (for gravy)
## Instructions:
### 1. Prepare the Chicken (or Turkey):
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared sheet pan.
2. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken. If using turkey breast cutlets, follow the same procedure.
### 2. Prepare the Vegetables:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, red onion wedges, halved Brussels sprouts, chopped carrots, and chopped apple. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated.
2. Spread the vegetables around the chicken breasts on the sheet pan. Make sure the vegetables are in a single layer to ensure even roasting. If desired, sprinkle dried cranberries over the vegetables for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
### 3. Roast the Sheet Pan Dinner:
1. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. The roasting time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the size of the vegetable pieces. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
2. Halfway through the roasting time (around 15-20 minutes), you can flip the Brussels sprouts and carrots to ensure even browning. This step is optional but recommended for optimal results.
### 4. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce (while the sheet pan dinner roasts):
1. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and sugar (or maple syrup). Add a pinch of orange zest, if using.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.
### 5. Prepare the Gravy (optional):
1. While the sheet pan dinner is roasting, you can prepare a quick and easy gravy. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps to thicken the gravy.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning for extra flavor.
5. Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it thickens.
### 6. Assemble and Serve:
1. Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven.
2. Let the sheet pan dinner rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
3. Divide the chicken and vegetables between two plates. Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
4. If desired, drizzle gravy over the chicken and vegetables. Serve immediately and enjoy your cozy Thanksgiving feast for two!
## Tips and Variations:
* **Turkey Cutlets:** Substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with turkey breast cutlets for a more traditional Thanksgiving flavor.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences. Green beans, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or baby potatoes would all be delicious additions.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs and spices. Sage, garlic powder, or onion powder would all complement the flavors of the dish.
* **Sweet Potato Option**: If you opt for sweet potatoes, be mindful that these may require slightly longer time to roast compared to butternut squash.
* **Maple Syrup Glaze**: For a sweeter option, consider mixing a maple syrup glaze to brush over the vegetables during the last 10 minutes of roasting. Mix maple syrup with a bit of balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard for best results.
* **Make Ahead:** You can chop the vegetables and prepare the cranberry sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
* **Dietary Adjustments:**
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour for the gravy.
* **Vegan:** Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth for the gravy. Omit the gravy altogether for a simpler vegan option.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use olive oil instead of butter for the gravy or skip it entirely.
## Serving Suggestions:
* **Add Rolls:** Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious gravy and cranberry sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a refreshing addition to the meal.
* **Dessert:** Complete your Thanksgiving feast with a slice of pumpkin pie or apple crisp for a sweet ending.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
* Calories: 500-600
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
## A Thanksgiving to Remember
This sheet pan Thanksgiving dinner for two is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to create a cozy and intimate holiday experience with your loved one. The simplicity of the recipe allows you to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time together and savoring the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving without the stress of a large-scale production. Enjoy this delightful and easy way to celebrate the holiday!
## Troubleshooting
**Chicken not cooking evenly:** Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness. Use a meat mallet to gently flatten them if needed. Also, ensure the oven temperature is accurate.
**Vegetables not roasting properly:** Make sure the vegetables are spread in a single layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. If some vegetables are cooking faster than others, remove them from the pan and keep them warm while the rest finish roasting.
**Cranberry sauce too tart:** Add a little more sugar or maple syrup to balance the tartness.
**Gravy too lumpy:** Use a whisk to smooth out any lumps while cooking. If lumps persist, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve.
**Sheet pan dinner sticking:** Ensure the sheet pan is well-oiled or lined with parchment paper.
## Storage
**Leftovers:** Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
**Cranberry Sauce:** Leftover cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It’s also delicious on toast or crackers.
**Gravy:** Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan, adding a little chicken broth if needed to thin it out.
## Conclusion
This Thanksgiving sheet pan dinner for two is a game-changer for those seeking a simple, delicious, and stress-free holiday experience. It embodies all the classic Thanksgiving flavors in a manageable and intimate setting. Whether you’re a couple, roommates, or simply prefer a smaller gathering, this recipe provides a convenient and flavorful way to celebrate Thanksgiving without the overwhelming demands of a traditional feast. Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavors, and enjoy a cozy and memorable Thanksgiving with your loved one!