Description
Tender chicken cooked with caramelized Brussels sprouts and apples in a savory-sweet apple cider glaze. A cozy one-pan meal that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for fall dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 apples, sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
- 1 small red onion, sliced
Pan Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear until skin turns golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Flip chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Apples: Add butter, Brussels sprouts, sliced onion, and apples to the same skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and caramelize.
- Add Aromatics and Glaze: Stir in minced garlic, apple cider, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and thyme leaves. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon some of the pan sauce over the vegetables to coat evenly.
- Roast: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) indicating doneness.
- Serve: Remove skillet from oven and serve warm, drizzling the flavorful pan juices over the chicken and vegetables for added moisture and taste.
Notes
- Substitute pears for apples for a sweet variation that adds a different fruit flavor profile.
- Use boneless chicken thighs to reduce overall cooking time by 5–7 minutes.
- Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious cider sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
