This Chicken, Apple, and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner is a tasty and cozy meal. Juicy chicken, sweet apples, and crispy Brussels sprouts roast together for a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying!
Have you ever thought apples could go so well with chicken? It’s like a sweet surprise in every bite! I love how easy this meal is—just toss everything on a pan and let the oven do the work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay juicy during cooking. If you want a leaner option, you can use skinless chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts give the dish a great texture. If they are not available, you could replace them with green beans or broccoli, though the cooking times may differ slightly.
Apples: Gala or Fuji apples are perfect because of their sweetness and crispness. If you prefer tart flavors, Granny Smith apples can be a good substitute. They’ll add a nice contrast to the savory elements!
Bacon: The bacon adds a smoky flavor. For a healthier touch, you can use turkey bacon or omit it altogether and add a bit more olive oil to keep the dish flavorful.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma, but dried thyme works too. You can also substitute it with rosemary or oregano if you have them on hand.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky! Here are some tips to help you achieve juicy, tender chicken thighs:
- Always start with bone-in, skin-on thighs for more flavor and moisture.
- When seasoning, be generous with the salt and pepper—it helps with flavor and moisture retention.
- After roasting, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside!
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
These easy techniques can help you serve up a fantastic meal that’s sure to impress!
Chicken, Apple and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner
Ingredients:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved if large
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), cored and cut into chunks
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
For Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Time Required:
This delicious meal will take about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important so that everything cooks evenly. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the other ingredients!
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
In a large bowl, toss the trimmed Brussels sprouts with half of the olive oil, half of the garlic powder, a good sprinkle of salt and pepper, and half of the thyme. Mix it all together until the sprouts are well coated.
3. Arrange in the Pan:
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on your lined sheet pan. Then, sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the top to add a lovely smoky flavor.
4. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs right on top of the Brussels sprouts and bacon. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the chicken and season with the rest of the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
5. Scatter the Apples:
Now, spread the apple chunks around the chicken and Brussels sprouts on the pan. The apples will cook down and become sweet and delicious as they roast.
6. Roast Everything:
Put the sheet pan in the oven and roast for about 35-40 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts to be nicely tender and caramelized.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want to make the chicken skin extra crispy, you can switch the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like, and serve hot. Enjoy the wonderful mix of savory chicken, sweet apples, and tender Brussels sprouts—a comforting meal all on one pan!
Bon Appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji are great choices for their sweetness, you can also use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory chicken. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks for even cooking!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you want to lighten it up, consider using skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for extra fiber and nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just combine everything in the sheet pan when you’re ready to cook, but try to bring the chicken to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispy texture, or heat in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.