These One-pan Chicken Thighs with Apples are simple, delicious, AIP, paleo and Whole30. Tender and juicy chicken thighs are seared in olive oil and then baked in the oven alongside sliced apples, cinnamon, bay leaves and thyme.
This one-pan dish is simple to make and comes together in under 30 minutes. I love all the Fall flavors in here of cinnamon and apple and the fresh herbs of thyme and bayleaf that compliment the poultry so well. You want to use a cast-iron pan here or one that can be transferred from the stove to the oven safely and can tolerate high heat.
Here are the ingredients in these One-pan Chicken Thighs with Apples:
- bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- fresh thyme
- dried bayleaf and cinnamon stick
- shallots and garlic
- granny smith apple
- chicken bone broth or stock (ensure AIP compliant)
- apple cider vinegar
The trick to perfectly cooked chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside is to render out the fat on the stovetop. Begin by cooking the thighs skin-side down in some oil on medium-high heat, flip them and cook a bit longer before removing them from the pan. Next, sauté shallots and garlic and add thyme, bay leaf and sliced apples. Stir intermittently to let the apples cook a bit and finally, add bone broth, apple cider vinegar and cinnamon stick. Allow the liquid to come to a boil and reduce by about 1/3. Return chicken to the cast iron pan and bake in a preheated 350F oven for an additional 15 minutes.
FAQs about these Chicken Thighs with Apples
Can I make these on the stovetop alone?
Yes, I’d keep the heat on medium and check the temperature with a meat thermometer to guide cooking time. It’s ready when the temperature is 165F.
Can I use a different variety of apple?
I like granny smith apples here because they are quite tart and don’t want the dish to be overwhelmingly sweet but you can play around with varieties. Pears might also work well here.
What do I serve this with?
I love having this dish with a salad. Try my Charred Brocolette and Cabbage Salad.
Can I meal prep/freeze this dish?
This dish is best eaten fresh so you can enjoy the crispiness of the chicken skin. I like to reheat leftovers in the cast iron pan in the oven to maintain the crispiness.
Looking for more AIP Chicken recipes? Try:
If you liked these One-pan Chicken Thighs with Apples, I would love it if you would give the recipe a star rating and review. Be sure to snap a picture of the finished product and share it with me on Instagram. Tag @healmedelicious and use the hashtag #healmedelicious.
PrintOne-pan Chicken Thighs with Apples (AIP, paleo, Whole30)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
These One-pan Chicken Thighs with Apples are tender and juicy and seared on the stovetop and then baked with apples, cinnamon, bay leaves and thyme.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Sea salt
- 3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 shallots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 granny smith apple, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken bone broth/chicken stock
- 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Pat chicken dry and sprinkle generously with sea salt on both sides.
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat 2 TBSP olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip them over and cook for another couple of minutes. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add remaining 1 TBSP olive oil, shallots and garlic to pan. Sauté 2-3 minutes.
- Add sliced apple, thyme and bay leaf and sauté an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Finally, add chicken bone broth or stock, apple cider vinegar and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, stirring to loosen any browned bits from pan. Reduce liquid by 1/3 (you don’t want the chicken thighs to be completely submerged in liquid).
- Return chicken to pan and place in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until thermometer inserted into chicken reads 165F.
- Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Mains
Lindsay Webb
Really good! I used the leftover sauce and juices as the base of a soup. I put it in the Vitamix for a minute and didn’t waste anything that way!
Mary Ann Argiro
Bland. Flavors did not meld well .A lot of work for low payout. Glad I halved it.
Nicole Charles
These are some of my favorite flavors, sorry it didn’t suit your taste!
Becky
Amazing!
Raissa
This made me want to explore more new flavors as I’m not so into fruits with animals. I loved to cook it and it was DIVINE! Thank you so much!
ahs
A few friends of mine have recently made this recipe after I have continued to rave about it. I am getting such sweet feedback that they love it. The cinnamon! Thank you again.
Nicole Charles
You’re so kind! Thank you!
Dominique
Another winner!!! I subbed chicken breast because chicken thighs aren’t readily available where I live, and also subbed a red apple because ditto for Granny Smith apples, and it tasted delicious! Love the flavour combo, the chicken broth adds so much depth. Comfort food in a flash, will definitely make again.
ahs
I’ve made this recipe four times now! It never disappoints and is also the perfect after work meal. It comes together quickly / with ease and is still incredibly flavorful. Very grateful to have this one in my go-to’s : )
Danielle
I never comment anywhere but this was one of the most delicious things I have ever made. Will be making this again ASAP. Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe!!!
Nicole Charles
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review Danielle, I really appreciate it and am so happy to hear that you enjoyed it <3
Rachel
Can you do this with boneless thighs or breasts? That’s all I have.
Nicole Charles
yes you can, you’ll just need to adjust the cooking time!
Prem
Whipped this up for lunch and I was pleasantly surprised at the tangy flavour I got from the apples. The chicken was cooked to perfection once getting some TLC from the oven. A quick, easy and delicious treat that paired perfectly with my kale salad!
Nancy Devine
This was absolutely delicious! It was easy to make as well. I will make again.
Becky
I made this today and it was DELICIOUS! The apples and onions get so soft and flavorful cooked in the broth and chicken juices like that. Thank you for the recipe!
Yannique
Juicy, succulent, delectable!!!
My partner and I couldn’t wait to make this recipe, it looked soooo good! We were so eager to try it that we used chicken breasts as we didn’t have any thighs at the time. It was SO yummy! The chicken breasts didn’t dry out at all, we simply adjusted the cook time a bit. It was mouth watering. Making it with chicken thighs tonight and we’re so excited!
Tara Riley
If you are looking for an easy to make but impressive dish, this is it! The chicken ended up so juicy and rich in flavor. The apples are a perfect compliment.