This One Pan Chicken with Apples is a tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken and sweet apples in one easy meal. The chicken gets golden and crispy while the apples soften for a yummy combo!
I love how effortless it is to make. Just toss everything in one pan and let the oven do its magic. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, and it smells amazing while it cooks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add rich flavor and stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs, but adjust cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out.
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the savory chicken. If those aren’t available, try using Fuji or Braeburn apples. Just avoid super sweet varieties for a better balance.
Onions: A large onion caramelizes well and adds a sweet base to the dish. Shallots or sweet onions are good alternatives if you want a milder flavor.
Olive Oil: This oil keeps things simple, but you can swap it with another cooking oil like canola or avocado oil if you prefer.
Thyme: Fresh thyme really boosts flavor, but dried thyme can work in a pinch; just use about one-third of the amount. You could also swap it for rosemary for a different herbaceous note.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Crispy?
Crispy chicken skin is what makes this dish truly satisfying! Start by ensuring your chicken thighs are dry. Pat them with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the skin get crispy during cooking.
- Heat your pan on medium-high heat; make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken.
- When placing the chicken in the pan, keep it skin-side down. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat.
- Don’t rush the cooking process! Let the skin sear for about 5-7 minutes without moving it to develop that golden crust.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly crispy chicken thighs every time!
One Pan Chicken with Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 5-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables & Fruits:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Cooking:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider or dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend around 5-7 minutes searing the chicken until golden and crispy, and then it will bake in the oven while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin get nice and crispy! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the pan. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and begin to caramelize, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the Apples and Thyme:
Add the apple slices and fresh thyme sprigs to the pan, giving everything a gentle stir. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the apples a bit.
6. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider or white wine (if you’re using it). This will lift up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Scrape them gently with a wooden spoon.
7. Nestle in the Chicken:
Return the chicken thighs to the pan, placing them skin-side up amidst the apples and onions.
8. Bake in the Oven:
Put the pan in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked fully.
9. Finish with Butter:
When the chicken is done, carefully remove the pan from the oven. If desired, swirl in 1 tablespoon of butter to enrich the sauce.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the dish with extra fresh thyme for a lovely touch. Serve it warm with the delicious apples and onions spooned over the chicken. Enjoy your delightful meal!
This dish offers crispy, golden chicken perfectly paired with a savory apple-onion sauce that beautifully blends sweet and savory flavors—all from one easy pan!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used! Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly—check for doneness at around 15-20 minutes as they will cook faster than bone-in thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No problem! You can substitute dried thyme, using about one-third of the amount. Alternatively, feel free to use other herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor twist.
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Pears would be a great substitute for apples, providing a similar sweetness. You could also try using peaches or even cranberries for a tart contrast with the chicken.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave, ensuring the chicken warms through without drying out. You can add a splash of broth to keep it moist!
