If you’re looking for an easy dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this One Pan Stuffed Chicken Thighs & Cauliflower recipe is exactly what you need. It’s juicy, flavorful, low carb, and made in just one pan which means less mess and fewer dishes to wash. Chicken thighs are naturally tender and full of flavor. When you stuff them with a creamy, cheesy filling and roast them alongside seasoned cauliflower, magic happens.
The chicken juices blend with the roasted cauliflower, creating a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual dinner with friends. It’s healthy, high in protein, and fits well into low carb and keto-friendly meal plans. Let’s get started.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra shredded cheese
How to Make Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a bowl, mix together:
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Thighs
Carefully lift the skin of each chicken thigh without tearing it. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture under the skin. Spread it evenly.
Pat the outside dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil over the skin and season with salt, pepper, and a little extra paprika for crispy golden skin.
Step 4: Prepare the Cauliflower
In a separate bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Spread the cauliflower around the chicken thighs on the same pan in a single layer.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until:
- The chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
- The skin is crispy and golden
- The cauliflower is tender and slightly browned
If you want extra crispy skin, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one pan stuffed chicken thighs with roasted cauliflower.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Chicken Thigh Recipe
- Easy one pan dinner
- Low carb and keto friendly
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Crispy outside, juicy inside
- Minimal prep time
- Family-friendly flavors
This stuffed chicken thigh recipe combines convenience with comfort food. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, making it one of the best easy chicken thigh recipes for weeknight dinners.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken Thighs
1. Dry the Skin Well
Dry chicken skin is the secret to crispy results. Pat it dry before adding oil and seasoning.
2. Don’t Overstuff
Too much filling can leak out during baking. Keep it simple and even.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer
This ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time without drying it out.
4. Cut Cauliflower Evenly
Uniform pieces help everything cook at the same time.
Variations You Can Try
This easy stuffed chicken thigh recipe is very flexible. Here are some ideas:
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Add chopped fresh spinach to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Sun-Dried Tomato Version
Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Version
Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the filling.
Broccoli Instead of Cauliflower
If you don’t have cauliflower, broccoli works great in this one pan chicken and vegetables recipe.
Is This Recipe Healthy?
Yes! This healthy stuffed chicken thighs recipe is:
- High in protein
- Low in carbohydrates
- Gluten-free
- Keto-friendly
Cauliflower is rich in fiber and vitamins, making this a balanced and nutritious meal. Using chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy while still being affordable and satisfying.
What to Serve with Stuffed Chicken Thighs
This is already a complete one pan dinner, but if you want to add more sides:
- Simple green salad
- Garlic butter green beans
- Zucchini noodles
- Mashed cauliflower
If you’re not following a low carb plan, you can also serve it with rice or crusty bread.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This helps keep the skin crispy. You can also microwave it, but the skin may soften.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes. Freeze cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why One Pan Meals Are So Popular
One pan chicken recipes save time and reduce cleanup. Everything cooks together, and the flavors blend naturally. For busy families, one pan dinners are a lifesaver. This baked stuffed chicken thighs and cauliflower recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can create a flavorful and comforting meal without complicated steps.
