This Chicken, Apple, and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner is a fun, one-pan meal! Juicy chicken teams up with sweet apples and crunchy Brussels sprouts for a tasty mix of flavors.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want an easy clean-up. I love how the apples get a little caramelized and add a sweet touch to the savory chicken. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs keep the meat juicy and flavorful. You can substitute with boneless thighs or drumsticks, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for this recipe. If you can’t find them, green beans or broccoli can be good alternatives, although the cooking time may vary.
Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Fuji or Braeburn are great substitutes, but avoid softer types like Red Delicious as they may become mushy.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispiness. For a healthier alternative, turkey bacon works well or you can simply skip it for a lighter dish.
Olive Oil: This is a great choice for roasting, but feel free to swap with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken thighs just right is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Always check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C).
- If you want extra crispy skin, broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end. Watch closely!
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after roasting. This helps keep the juices inside, making it more tender when you cut into it.
Chicken, Apple and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and chopped into chunks
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of bacon, cut into pieces
For Seasoning and Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and 35-45 minutes to roast. In total, you’re looking at about 50-55 minutes from start to finish. It’s an effortless meal that results in a flavorful dinner with minimal clean-up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your meal cooks evenly. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Bacon:
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts, apple chunks, sliced red onion, and bacon pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is well coated and flavorful!
3. Set Up the Sheet Pan:
Spread the vegetable and apple mixture evenly onto the lined sheet pan. This creates a lovely base for the chicken to sit on while cooking.
4. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin get nice and crispy. Rub the thighs with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and then season them evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Arrange the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the Brussels sprouts and apple mixture on the sheet pan. Fit them snugly among the veggies for a great flavor combination.
6. Add Fresh Thyme:
Scatter the fresh thyme sprigs over the entire pan. This will infuse the dish with a lovely herbal aroma as it cooks!
7. Roast in the Oven:
Slide the sheet pan into the oven and roast for about 35-45 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the Brussels sprouts should be tender and caramelized. Don’t hesitate to use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
8. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you want the chicken skin to be extra crispy, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
9. Let it Rest:
Once done, remove the sheet pan from the oven, and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the chicken time to settle and keeps it juicy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy every bite of your flavorful one-pan dinner that brings together savory chicken, earthy Brussels sprouts, sweet apples, and smoky bacon!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just be aware that they will cook faster, so check for doneness around the 25-30 minute mark to avoid overcooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker reheating.
Can I Substitute Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While Brussels sprouts and apples are great in this dish, you can swap in other veggies like carrots, butternut squash, or bell peppers. Just make sure they have a similar cooking time to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
This recipe is already dairy-free as it doesn’t include any dairy ingredients! However, if you want to add a creamy element, consider using coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. Just drizzle it over the top before serving for added richness!
