This Chicken, Apple, and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner is a tasty way to enjoy dinner without the fuss. It combines juicy chicken, sweet apples, and crispy Brussels sprouts all roasted together!
What I love most? You just toss everything on a pan and let the oven do the magic! Plus, the sweet and savory combo of flavors is just perfect for cozy nights. 🍏🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. They stay tender while cooking. If you prefer, boneless thighs or chicken breasts can work, but adjust roast time, as they may cook faster.
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are key for this dish. Trim and halve them for even cooking. If you can’t find them, broccoli florets can be a good substitute, albeit with a different flavor profile.
Apples: I like using Honeycrisp for its sweetness and firmness, which holds up well in roasting. You can substitute with Granny Smith for a tarter taste or any apple you love!
Bacon: Bacon adds a lovely flavor. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works, but you’ll miss that rich fat. You could also skip it altogether if needed.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme gives a wonderful aroma. Dried thyme is a shortcut; use 1 teaspoon if you don’t have fresh. The flavor will still be nice, though fresh is best.
How Can I Ensure My Brussels Sprouts Are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great Brussels sprouts is to roast them until they’re tender and browned. Here’s how to make sure they turn out just right:
- Trim the sprouts and cut them in half to help them cook evenly.
- Make sure they’re spread out on the sheet pan. Crowding can cause steaming instead of roasting.
- Watch the cooking time. They should take about 35-45 minutes, but check towards the end: they’re done when they’re tender with a nice golden-brown color.
For extra crunch, feel free to toss them with a bit of extra olive oil halfway through roastiing. This will enhance that crispy texture we all love!
Chicken, Apple and Brussels Sprout Sheet Pan Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and chopped into chunks
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sheet pan dinner takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-45 minutes of cooking time. So in total, you’re looking at around an hour to have this comforting meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want a hot oven for roasting! While it heats, line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Veggies and Apple:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped apple, and sliced onion with the olive oil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well coated, so every bite is flavorful.
3. Spread on the Sheet Pan:
Transfer the veggie and apple mixture to your prepared sheet pan, spreading it out evenly. This helps them cook properly without steaming.
4. Add the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken thighs skin side up right on top of the Brussels sprouts and apples. Season the exposed skin of the chicken with a bit more salt, pepper, and some of the dried herbs.
5. Top with Bacon and Thyme:
Scatter the chopped bacon over everything. It’s going to add a lovely flavor! Also, place the fresh thyme sprigs on top for extra aroma and taste.
6. Roast It All Together:
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and roast for about 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Brussels sprouts will be golden and tender.
7. Optional Crisping:
If you like your chicken skin extra crispy, you can put the pan under the broiler for another 2-3 minutes at the end. Just make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
8. Finish and Serve:
Before serving, take out the thyme sprigs. They can be a bit tough to eat. Serve the juicy chicken thighs alongside the roasted Brussels sprouts and apples. They’re sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Enjoy your delicious, simple sheet pan dinner that brings together tender chicken, sweet apples, and beautifully caramelized Brussels sprouts in one delightful dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs provide great flavor and moisture, you can substitute with boneless thighs or chicken breasts. Just be mindful of the cooking time as they may cook quicker than thighs.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No problem! If you’re out of fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme instead. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to replace fresh sprigs, as the flavor is more concentrated in dried herbs.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through, ensuring the chicken stays tender.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of veggies, so keep an eye on them while roasting!
