Description

A simple, budget-friendly one-pan weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs roasted with sweet caramelized apples and onions. This family-friendly meal is ready in under 40 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced into wedges
1 large yellow onion, sliced into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss chicken with half the olive oil, half the thyme, salt, and pepper until coated. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, toss apple wedges and onion wedges with remaining olive oil, remaining thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using).
Arrange the apple and onion mixture on one half of the baking sheet and the chicken thighs on the other half. Ensure ingredients are not crowded.
Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and apples are tender.
Remove from oven. If using, toss in butter while hot. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve immediately with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa.

Notes

Do not crowd the pan to ensure proper roasting instead of steaming. Honeycrisp or Gala apples are recommended as they hold their shape well. Avoid Red Delicious as they become mushy. The recipe is naturally gluten-free. For a savory variation, swap thyme for rosemary and sage. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15
Sodium: 300
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 4
Protein: 25

Keywords: chicken thighs, fall recipes, one pan dinner, family dinner, budget friendly, roasted apples, easy weeknight meals, healthy dinner