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An overhead shot of sheet pan chicken and asparagus on a wooden table, next to bowls of cauliflower rice, plates, and forks.
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4.84 from 31 votes

Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus (Paleo, Gluten Free)

This umami-packed, Asian-inspired Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus dinner from Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Tanous’s cookbook, Food Between Friends, is sure to become your new go-to weeknight supper!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Marinating time20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: gluten-free, grain-free, nom nom paleo, nomnompaleo, paleo, Sheet Pan
Servings: 4
Author: Michelle Tam

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt divided
  • ¾ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper divided
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons Red Boat fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey or ¼ cup jam sweetened with 100% fruit juice (for Whole30)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ tablespoon minced fresh ginger or ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil and more for greasing the sheet pan
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
  • 1 pound asparagus tough ends trimmed, spears cut in half
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds optional garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves optional garnish

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut into 1½- to 2-inch pieces.
  • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper on the chicken and toss well to distribute seasoning.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, fish sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, orange juice, sesame oil, avocado oil, lime zest and juice, coconut milk, and arrowroot powder.
  • Drop in the chicken pieces and toss to coat with the marinade. Marinate the chicken at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. You can marinate up to two days in advance in the fridge, but use ground ginger in place of fresh.
  • Heat the broiler on high and arrange a rack 6 inches from the heat source.
  • Lightly grease a sheet pan with some avocado oil. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken onto the sheet pan in a single layer on one side of the pan.
  • Place the asparagus on the other side of the pan. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper on the asparagus.
  • Pour the marinade all over the chicken and asparagus.
  • Pop the tray under the broiler and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring at the halfway point. The sheet pan is ready when the chicken is cooked through, the asparagus is nicely browned, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro if desired and serve with cauliflower rice.

Video

Notes

Adapted slightly with permission from Food Between Friends by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Tanous, copyright © 2021. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 17g