If Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls sounds like the kind of dinner that could save your Wednesday (or… let’s be honest… any day), you’re in exactly the right place. Because some nights you want real food—not a sad desk salad, not cereal again, and definitely not a million-dishes situation.
These bowls are spicy-saucy, a little sweet, and surprisingly cozy. You get crispy-edged sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower, juicy chicken with a crunchy coating, and that creamy dill coleslaw on top that makes everything taste like you actually had a plan. The best part? It’s mostly hands-off while the oven does the heavy lifting—my favorite kind of teamwork.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls
- One pan = fewer dishes. Your sink will not be personally victimized tonight.
- Big flavor, simple steps. Buffalo + honey is the “sweet heat” combo that never lets you down.
- Meal-prep friendly. These hold up really well for lunches (and yes, coworkers will be jealous).
- Customizable for picky eaters. You can keep the sauce mild, serve slaw on the side, or let everyone build their own bowl.
I’m Aneta, and if you’ve ever stared into your fridge like it owes you answers, I get it. This recipe is exactly the kind of “I need dinner now” magic I love sharing at Chicken Magic Recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the vegetables
- Cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen—if frozen, defrost first)
- Sweet potato (washed well, no need to peel)
- Red onion
- Olive oil (divided)
- Salt + black pepper
For the chicken
- Chicken breast or thighs
Breast = leaner, thighs = extra juicy. Either works beautifully. - Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt + black pepper
- Panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- Olive oil
For the sauce + garnish
- Mild buffalo sauce (like Frank’s mild)
- Honey
- Green onions
- Feta cheese (optional, but so good)
For the coleslaw
- Coleslaw mix
- Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh dill
- Vinegar
Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It (No Chef Hat Required)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). This temp is the sweet spot for roasting veggies until they’re tender with those little golden edges that taste like “I meant to do that.”
Step 2: Prep and start roasting the veggies
In a large bowl, toss together:
- cauliflower florets
- diced sweet potatoes
- sliced red onion
Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and toss until everything looks glossy and evenly coated.
Spread veggies out on a sheet pan in a nice even layer (crowding = steaming, and we want roasting). Roast for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Season the chicken
While the veggies get a head start, season your chicken in a separate bowl with:
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- panko breadcrumbs
- salt and black pepper
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss until the chicken is coated.
This is where the crunch happens. That panko coating gets toasty in the oven and gives the chicken a crispy vibe without frying anything. (Bless.)
Step 4: Combine and roast again
After the veggies have roasted for 10 minutes, pull the sheet pan out and add the chicken right on top, spreading it out so the pieces aren’t piled.
Roast everything together for 20 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) internally and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 5: Add the buffalo-honey sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- mild buffalo sauce
- honey
When the pan comes out, drizzle the sauce over the chicken and veggies and gently toss to coat. Pop it back in the oven for 5 minutes so the sauce bakes in and gets a little sticky in the best way.
Step 6: Make the creamy dill coleslaw
While the sheet pan finishes, stir together:
- Greek yogurt
- mayonnaise
- fresh dill
- vinegar
Add your coleslaw mix and toss until creamy and coated.
This slaw is the cool, refreshing best friend to the warm buffalo chicken. Like, “I keep you grounded” energy.
Step 7: Build your bowls
Spoon the buffalo chicken and roasted veggies into bowls and top with:
- creamy coleslaw
- chopped green onions
- feta cheese (optional but recommended if you love tangy-salty goodness)
Dinner is served. And yes, you can absolutely eat it curled up on the couch. I support that decision.
My Best Tips (Because I’ve Learned the Hard Way)
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly. Small-ish cubes cook faster and roast more evenly. If some are huge and some are tiny, you’ll get a mix of crunchy and mushy—like a confusing text message.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give everything space so it roasts instead of steaming. If your sheet pan is small, use two pans or roast in batches.
- Want extra crisp? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely—broilers go from “perfect” to “oops” in a blink).
- Sauce control matters. If you like things less spicy, start with less buffalo sauce and add more after baking. You’re the boss of your bowl.
- Slaw shortcut: Pre-packaged coleslaw mix is a gift to busy people. No shame. Only gratitude.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
The first time I made a version of these bowls, it was one of those nights where I had chicken… and optimism… and not much else. I needed a dinner that felt fun but didn’t require me to wash every dish I own.
I threw sweet potatoes on a pan because they’re always in my kitchen, added cauliflower to feel like a responsible adult, and went full buffalo because I wanted flavor that woke up my taste buds. When I topped it with a quick creamy slaw, it tasted like something I’d pay for at a “healthy-ish” restaurant… except I was wearing sweatpants and my kitchen timer was doing all the work.
That’s the kind of cooking magic I love most.

FAQs About Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely. Thighs stay extra juicy and are very forgiving if you roast a minute too long. Chicken breast works great if you want a leaner option.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work, and crushed cornflakes can also add crunch in a pinch. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep components in separate containers if you can (especially the coleslaw). Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat the chicken and veggies, then add the slaw fresh on top.
Can I meal prep these Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls?
Yes! They’re fantastic for meal prep. Portion the chicken and veggies into containers, pack the slaw separately, and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Can I make it less spicy?
Go with mild buffalo sauce, use a little less at first, and add more honey to soften the heat. You can also serve extra slaw on the side for a cooling bite.
Bring the Magic to Your Dinner Table
If you’re craving something bold, cozy, and weeknight-friendly, Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls are the move. You get that sweet-and-spicy combo, a creamy crunch on top, and a dinner that feels exciting without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone.
Make it once, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes one of those “Put it on the rotation” meals. Because when life is busy, having a reliable dinner like Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls feels like a small victory—and honestly, we take those.
Keep the Buffalo Bowl Vibes Going
If these Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls just made your dinner life easier (and tastier), don’t stop here—your next cozy, craveable meal is waiting. Here are a few reader-favorites that keep the same bold flavor + comforting “I’ve got this” energy:
- Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a lighter, crunchy twist — All the zippy buffalo flavor you love, but wrapped up fresh and crisp (hello, easy lunch goals).
- Buffalo Chicken Bombs that disappear fast — Cheesy, spicy, and dangerously snackable… you might want to make a double batch “for the family.” 😉
- Blackened Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls for another bowl night win — Same cozy bowl vibes, with a smoky, savory kick that feels like takeout (minus the price tag).
- Honey Feta Sweet Potato Rounds for a sweet-and-salty side — Perfect when you want something warm, a little fancy-looking, and ridiculously easy.
If you try this recipe (or any of these!), I’d love to hear how it went. Scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review—your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner!
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Description
Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls are a sweet-and-spicy one-pan dinner with roasted chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and a cool creamy dill coleslaw on top.
Ingredients
For the Sheet Pan
-
4 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
-
2 medium sweet potatoes, washed and diced (about 1 ½ lbs)
-
1 medium red onion, sliced
-
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
-
1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
-
½ tsp black pepper
For the Chicken
-
1 ½ lbs chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
-
½ tsp salt
-
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce
-
⅓ cup mild buffalo sauce
-
1 tbsp honey
For the Coleslaw
-
1 (8–10 oz) bag coleslaw mix (about 3–4 cups)
-
½ cup Greek yogurt
-
2 tbsp mayonnaise
-
1 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
-
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
For Serving
-
2 green onions, sliced
-
⅓ cup crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
-
Prep the veggies: In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and red onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a sheet pan. Roast for 10 minutes.
-
Season the chicken: In the same bowl (no need to wash), toss chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, panko, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil until coated.
-
Roast together: Remove pan from oven, add chicken over the veggies, and spread out evenly. Roast for 20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F and sweet potatoes are tender.
-
Sauce it up: Mix buffalo sauce + honey. Drizzle over chicken and veggies, toss gently, then bake 5 more minutes.
-
Make the coleslaw: Stir together Greek yogurt, mayo, vinegar, and dill. Toss with coleslaw mix until creamy.
-
Assemble bowls: Spoon buffalo chicken + veggies into bowls, top with coleslaw, green onions, and feta.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work great for a lean option.
For less heat, use mild buffalo sauce and add extra honey to mellow it out.
Meal prep tip: Store the slaw separately so it stays crisp.
Leftovers: Keep in the fridge 3–4 days. Reheat chicken/veggies, then add slaw fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sheet Pan / Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg