Imagine a dinner that transforms your kitchen into a cozy autumn haven, where tender chicken, sweet caramelized apples, and aromatic thyme dance together on a single sheet pan. This Sheet Pan Harvest Apple Chicken isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with a gourmet-style dish that looks like you've been cooking all day!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme.
- Slice apples and onions into uniform, medium-thick pieces to ensure even cooking. Try to keep apple slices approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Drizzle olive oil across the sheet pan, ensuring an even coating to prevent sticking and promote caramelization.
- Arrange chicken breasts in the center of the sheet pan, spreading apple and onion slices around and between the chicken pieces.
- Sprinkle remaining thyme over the apples, onions, and chicken. Add an additional pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Place sheet pan in preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley for added visual appeal and flavor.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
- Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that will hold their shape during roasting and provide a nice balance to the savory chicken.
- Cut apple and onion slices uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the sheet pan—give ingredients enough space to allow proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 105mg
