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Crispy One-Pan Roasted Chicken Thighs with Apple and Sweet Potato

crispy one-pan roasted chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring crispy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roasted with caramelized apples and tender sweet potatoes, seasoned with fresh herbs and smoked paprika for a perfect sweet-savory balance.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 firm apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 23 fresh sage leaves
  • 23 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 4 whole garlic cloves, smashed slightly
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides. Let rest while prepping vegetables.
  3. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks. Slice the apples into 1/2-inch wedges, keeping the skin on.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add chicken thighs skin side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes without moving to develop a golden-brown crust.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs. Add sweet potatoes, apple wedges, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs around the chicken. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the apples and potatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender. Apples should be caramelized but still hold their shape.
  7. Optional: In the last 5 minutes, drizzle a splash of apple cider vinegar over everything to add brightness.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Plate the chicken thighs alongside the roasted apples and sweet potatoes. Spoon pan juices over everything for extra flavor.
  9. Pro tip: If chicken skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use high heat for searing and avoid moving chicken too soon. Add apples after searing to prevent them from turning mushy. If skin isn’t crispy enough after roasting, broil for 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow air circulation. Reheat leftovers in oven at 350°F to maintain crispy skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted chicken thighs, crispy chicken, one-pan dinner, apple and sweet potato, easy weeknight meal, roasted apples, sweet potatoes, bone-in chicken, savory and sweet, gluten-free