This One Pan Chicken with Apples is a fun and tasty dish. Juicy chicken gets cooked with sweet apples, creating a lovely mix of flavors. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan—easy cleanup!
You’ll love how the sweetness of the apples balances out the savory chicken. I can’t help but smile when I see everyone enjoying it at the table. It’s a crowd-pleaser, for sure! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give this dish great flavor and moisture. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts can work, but they may dry out. Using skinless thighs can also be an option.
Apples: For a sweet twist, I love using crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. If you can’t find them, any apple variety you enjoy will work! Just ensure they hold up well when cooked.
Heavy Cream: This adds a creamy richness to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, feel free to use half-and-half or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
Rice: Cooked white rice is my go-to here, but brown rice or quinoa are great alternatives, just adjust cooking times as needed. You can also omit the grain for a low-carb option.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken Skin?
Getting that wonderfully crispy chicken skin is all about the searing process. Here’s how:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps in browning.
- Don’t rush flipping the chicken. Let it cook skin-side down undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
- Use a good amount of oil for frying, but not so much that it overwhelms the dish.
- After baking, a quick broil at the end can help crisp it up even more, just watch it closely to avoid burning!
With these tips and substitutions, you can easily tailor this One Pan Chicken with Apples recipe to fit your tastes and what you have on hand. Enjoy your cooking!
One Pan Chicken with Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables & Sauce:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, cored and sliced (skin on)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
To Serve:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious one-pan meal to enjoy with family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for your chicken once you’re done with the prep!
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs so they are nicely flavored.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Then, flip them over and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent. The leftover chicken bits will add extra flavor. Yum!
5. Add Apples and Garlic:
Now, add the sliced apples and minced garlic to the onions. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes, until the apples begin to soften up.
6. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in the thyme. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for a minute or two.
7. Add Back the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up so they get nice and crispy as they cook in the oven!
8. Add the Rice:
Spread the cooked rice around the chicken in the skillet. It will soak up all those delicious juices while it cooks.
9. Bake in the Oven:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove from the oven and garnish your delicious dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting one-pan meal!
This recipe combines the savory richness of seasoned chicken with the sweetness of apples in a creamy sauce—all cooked together for a delightful and hearty meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a quicker cooking time! Just reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute it with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just note that it may alter the creaminess slightly.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little broth for moisture if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe with Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or even spinach. Just adjust the cooking times according to the veggies you use to ensure everything is tender and delicious.
