Sheet-Pan Chicken With Jammy Tomatoes and Pancetta

 

INGREDIENTS

Yield:4 servings

• 1½pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 9whole unpeeled garlic cloves
• 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1½tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more for serving
• 1tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
• 1teaspoon dried oregano
• 1teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
• ¾teaspoon ground cumin
• 1pint cherry tomatoes (preferably different colors), halved
• 2ounces diced pancetta or bacon
• ¼cup torn fresh dill, parsley or other herbs, for serving
• Freshly ground black pepper

Ingredient Substitution Guide

PREPARATION

1. Step 1

   Heat oven to 425 degrees. Season chicken all over with salt, and place on a rimmed baking sheet.

2. Step 2

   Smash all the garlic cloves with the side of a knife and peel them. Finely grate one garlic clove and put it in a small bowl. Stir in the 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, paprika, oregano, brown sugar (if using) and cumin. Pour over chicken, tossing to coat.

3. Step 3

   Add tomatoes and remaining smashed, peeled garlic cloves to baking sheet, spreading them out around the chicken. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and drizzle with a little more olive oil. Scatter pancetta on top.

4. Step 4

   Roast until chicken is golden and cooked through, about 30 to 35 minutes. After 15 minutes, stir the tomatoes and pancetta, but don’t disturb the chicken.

5. Step 5

   Transfer chicken to plates. Stir the tomatoes and pancetta around in the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom and sides, and stir in the herbs and black pepper to taste. Taste and add salt, if needed, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if you like. Spoon tomatoes, garlic and pancetta over the chicken to serve.