11 One-Pan Holiday Meals for Busy December Nights
December nights can feel rushed, especially when schedules become hectic and energy levels are low. One-pan holiday meals make dinner easier by keeping prep simple and cleanup minimal, while still delivering comforting, seasonal flavors. These meals work well for busy evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With everything cooking together, it becomes easier to enjoy a homemade dinner even during the busiest weeks of the season.
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Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables
This one-pan meal is the perfect solution for busy December nights. It combines roasted chicken with root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, creating a flavorful and comforting dish. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs on a large baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out. Surround the chicken with 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into large chunks), 4 medium potatoes (cut into cubes), and 1 large onion (sliced). Drizzle everything with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme. Toss the vegetables around to coat them evenly in the seasoning and oil.
Roast everything in the oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned. The chicken will release juices that flavor the vegetables, making them extra savory. The combination of tender chicken and sweet, caramelized vegetables offers a comforting and filling meal, perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade dinner with minimal effort. With everything cooking on a single sheet, cleanup is incredibly easy, making this meal a go-to for holiday evenings.
One Pan Sausage and Brussels Sprouts
This one-pan sausage and Brussels sprouts meal brings together savory sausage with crisp-tender Brussels sprouts, making it an ideal choice for a simple, satisfying dinner. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice 4 chicken or pork sausages into thick rounds and spread them out on a large baking sheet. Next, add 1 lb of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved, along with 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips) to the pan. Drizzle everything with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor. Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables and sausage are evenly coated in the seasoning.
Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sausages are browned and the Brussels sprouts are crispy on the edges and tender inside. Stir the ingredients halfway through to ensure even cooking. The rich flavor of the sausage melds with the earthy Brussels sprouts, and the bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness, balancing out the savory notes. This meal is a wonderful option for busy December nights when you want something hearty and healthy without a lot of cleanup afterward. With just one pan to wash, it makes for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Sheet Pan Salmon with Green Beans
Salmon is an excellent choice for a fast and healthy one-pan dinner, and when paired with green beans, it makes a balanced meal full of festive flavors. Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place 4 salmon fillets on a large baking sheet and surround them with 1 lb of trimmed green beans. Drizzle the salmon and green beans with olive oil and season everything with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For added flavor, place lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets. The lemon brightens the rich flavor of the salmon while complementing the green beans’ natural sweetness.
Roast everything in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The green beans will roast to a perfect tender-crisp texture, making this dish light yet satisfying. The combination of fresh, citrusy salmon with tender green beans is both festive and healthy, making it an excellent choice for busy nights when you want a nutritious and flavorful meal. Cleanup is quick and easy with only one pan involved, and the minimal prep ensures you can have a stress-free dinner during the holiday season.
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Potatoes
This easy one-pan meal features juicy chicken thighs paired with crispy potatoes and a bright lemon garlic flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs on a large baking sheet, and surround them with 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. Drizzle everything with olive oil, and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken and potatoes. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme for extra flavor.
Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender inside. The chicken’s natural juices will infuse the potatoes with flavor, while the lemon adds a refreshing brightness to the dish. This meal is simple, hearty, and perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Apples
Pork chops and apples are a classic pairing that works wonderfully in a one-pan meal. The savory pork complements the sweetness of the apples, making this dish perfect for a cozy holiday dinner. To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 4 bone-in pork chops on a baking sheet and surround them with sliced apples (about 2 large apples) and 1 onion, sliced. Drizzle the pork chops and apples with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth. Toss the apples to coat them with the seasoning, ensuring they are evenly distributed around the pork chops.
Roast the pork chops and apples for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the apples are soft and caramelized. The apples release their juices, creating a natural sauce that complements the pork’s savory flavor. This one-pan dish is simple, quick, and perfect for when you want a festive, flavorful dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. The easy cleanup makes it an excellent choice for busy December nights when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
One Pan Chicken Parmesan Bake
Chicken Parmesan is a comforting classic, and this one-pan version makes it much easier to prepare. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Top each chicken breast with 1/2 cup of marinara sauce and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with dried oregano and garlic powder.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The marinara sauce keeps the chicken moist while the cheese adds a rich, indulgent finish. This simple but satisfying meal requires only one pan for cooking and cleanup, making it ideal for busy December nights when you want a classic dinner without the hassle.
Sheet Pan Turkey Cutlets with Cranberry Sauce
Turkey cutlets are a great option for a lighter, quicker holiday dinner that’s still festive. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 4 turkey cutlets on a large baking sheet and season both sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Spread 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce over each turkey cutlet. Add vegetables such as 1 lb of chopped carrots and 1 lb of green beans to the pan, surrounding the turkey. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender. The cranberry sauce will create a sweet glaze over the turkey, enhancing its natural flavors. This simple yet festive dish can be served straight from the pan, with minimal cleanup. It’s an ideal one-pan meal for busy December nights when you want a holiday-inspired dinner without the time commitment.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken with Mushrooms
This rich and flavorful one-pan meal is perfect for December evenings when you want something hearty yet simple. To prepare, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs on a baking sheet and season them with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like rosemary. Scatter 8 oz of sliced mushrooms around the chicken, then drizzle everything with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Toss the mushrooms to coat in the balsamic glaze and season everything with additional salt and pepper.
Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the mushrooms are tender. The balsamic glaze will reduce and thicken as it roasts, creating a flavorful sauce that coats both the chicken and the mushrooms. The combination of savory chicken and the earthy mushrooms, balanced by the tangy sweetness of the balsamic, makes this meal perfect for a relaxed yet festive dinner.
Sheet Pan Shrimp with Broccoli
This one-pan meal is a quick and healthy option when you want something flavorful and fresh. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, on a baking sheet, and surround them with 1 lb of trimmed broccoli florets. Drizzle everything with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, citrusy flavor. Toss everything to coat evenly in the oil and seasoning.
Roast for 10–12 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, and the broccoli is tender with slightly crispy edges. The lemon juice adds a bright flavor that complements the shrimp, while the broccoli adds a healthy crunch. This meal comes together quickly and is packed with protein and vegetables. With just one pan, cleanup is a breeze, making this a perfect choice for a busy evening.
One-Pan Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
This creamy one-pan chicken Alfredo is perfect for busy December nights when you want a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, tender pasta, and vibrant broccoli makes it a complete and satisfying dish, all cooked on a single baking sheet. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a large baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Scatter 2 cups of uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well) and 2 cups of broccoli florets around the chicken. Drizzle everything with olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
For the Alfredo sauce, mix 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken, pasta, and broccoli, making sure the pasta is submerged in the creamy sauce. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta has absorbed the sauce, becoming tender and creamy. The chicken will stay moist and flavorful while the broccoli softens and adds a healthy crunch to the dish. The creamy sauce ties everything together, creating a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal effort and only one pan to clean.
Sheet Pan Meatballs with Roasted Vegetables
Meatballs make a comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for colder December nights. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form 1 lb of meatball mixture (beef, pork, or turkey) into evenly sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Surround the meatballs with chopped vegetables, such as 2 large carrots, 1 zucchini, and 1 red onion. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are coated in the oil and seasoning.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The meatballs brown and release flavorful juices, which coat the vegetables as they cook. This meal is easy to prepare and delivers both protein and vegetables in one go. With just one pan to clean, it’s perfect for a busy evening when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.