Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, my thoughts drift to cozy meals that embrace the spirit of the season. Enter my One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner, a dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall with tender chicken thighs roasting alongside caramelized sweet potatoes and earthy Brussels sprouts. Not only is it a delightful weeknight solution, but this one-pan meal is also gluten-free and allows for endless vegetable substitutions, making it as flexible as your schedule. With minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, this recipe invites you to snuggle up and enjoy the warmth of homemade goodness. Ready to turn your kitchen into an autumn haven? Let’s dive in! Why is This Recipe a Must-Try? Comforting Warmth: This One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner brings a cozy feeling right to your table, perfect for cool evenings. Effortless Cooking: With just one pan, you’ll save time on cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Flavorful Harmony: The roast chicken and sweet potatoes blend beautifully with earthy Brussels sprouts and a hint of apple sweetness. Customizable Goodness: Feel free to swap veggies or add extras like cranberries for that personalized touch! Check out my Honey Butter Chicken if you’re looking for more delicious chicken recipes. Appeal for Everyone: This dish strikes a perfect balance of taste and nourishment, making it a hit with friends and family alike. Autumn Chicken Dinner Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – Juiciness and flavor; best bone-in and skin-on for optimal taste. • Olive Oil – Moisture and flavor; substitute with avocado oil for a high smoke point. • Red Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity and depth; apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch. • Garlic (minced) – Aromatic base flavor; fresh or jarred garlic can be used. • Fresh Thyme, Sage, Rosemary – Herbs for flavor complexity; dried herbs can be substituted but use less. For the Vegetables • Sweet Potato – Provides a sweet balance; can swap for regular potatoes or squash. • Brussels Sprouts – Earthy flavor and texture; substitute with green beans or carrots if desired. • Fuji Apples – Adds sweetness and tartness; other firm apples like Honeycrisp are great alternatives. • Shallots – Sweet, mild onion flavor; regular onions can be a substitute. For Extra Flavor • Bacon (hickory smoked) – Extra savoriness and depth; omit for a lower-fat version. • Parsley (chopped) – Garnish for color and freshness; optional but recommended for presentation. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F to create the perfect roasting environment for your One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner. While the oven heats up, gather your baking sheet and set it aside, ensuring it’s ready for the fresh, colorful ingredients that are to come. Step 2: Marinate the Chicken In a resealable bag, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and the fresh herbs. Add the chicken thighs, seasoning generously with salt and pepper, and seal the bag. Give it a gentle shake to coat the chicken evenly, allowing it to marinate while you prepare the vegetables for about 10-15 minutes. Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables On your baking sheet, spread out the chopped sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, sliced apples, and shallots. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle them with salt and pepper for additional flavor. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating. The vibrant hues will evoke the essence of autumn. Step 4: Combine Chicken and Vegetables Once marinated, remove the chicken from the bag and place it on top of the bed of vegetables on the baking sheet. Arrange everything snugly but without overcrowding, allowing each ingredient to roast beautifully. For added flavor, sprinkle the cured smoked bacon pieces over the chicken and veggies. Step 5: Roast Everything to Perfection Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, with juices running clear, while the vegetables turn golden and tender. Keep an eye on them, as the oven’s warmth creates an inviting aroma throughout your kitchen! Step 6: Optional Broil for Extra Crisp For that desirable crispy skin on your chicken, turn on the broiler during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely as the skin bubbles and browns to golden perfection, turning your One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner into a visual feast for both the eyes and the palate. Step 7: Garnish and Serve Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve the warm, hearty One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner straight from the pan for a cozy and delightful family meal. What to Serve with One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner As the flavors of fall burst forth from your kitchen, it’s time to complement your cozy dish with delightful side options that enhance the warmth and heartiness of the season. Crusty Bread: A warm, rustic loaf is perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken and veggies. Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed in a light vinaigrette add a crisp contrast, balancing the rich, roasted flavors. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes accentuate the savory notes of the dish while providing a comforting touch. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Extra roasted Brussels sprouts, seasoned with lemon and garlic, echo the dish’s flavors and bring a delightful crunch. Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn creates a bright pop of sweetness, enhancing your overall autumn experience. Cranberry Sauce: A bright, tart cranberry sauce on the side makes for a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken and sweet potatoes. Warm Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp offers a sweet finish, echoing the apples in the main dish and celebrating fall’s bounty. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair your meal with a cozy pumpkin spice latte to embrace the season while warming up from the inside out. Mulled Wine: A glass of spiced mulled wine complements the sweet and savory elements of your meal, making for a comforting drink choice. Make Ahead Options Preparing this One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes during your busy week. You can marinate the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen while stored in the refrigerator. Additionally, chop your vegetables (sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, and shallots) the night before and keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine the marinated chicken with the prepared vegetables on the baking sheet, sprinkle with bacon, and roast as directed. This make-ahead strategy ensures that your meal is just as delicious, while offering a stress-free cooking experience on those hectic evenings. Expert Tips for One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner Crispy Skin Secret: Broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking to achieve a beautifully crispy skin that everyone loves. Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating. Chunky Veggies: Cut your vegetables into large chunks for even roasting and a delightful texture that complements the juicy chicken. Marination Time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors, but for the best results, consider marinating longer in the fridge. Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, making this Autumn Chicken Dinner truly versatile. Autumn Chicken Dinner Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine and tailor this recipe to your taste preferences and pantry needs! Turkey Bacon: Swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter, yet still flavorful version. The savory essence of turkey bacon still complements the rich ingredients beautifully. Seasonal Veggies: Use seasonal favorites like carrots, parsnips, or root vegetables to bring new flavors and textures to your dish. Consider what’s fresh at your local market to inspire your next creation! Cranberry Twist: Add a handful of dried cranberries before roasting for a delightful tartness that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. This will give your dish an unexpected, yet wonderful burst of flavor. Maple Sweetness: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the veggies before roasting for added depth and sweetness. It’s a subtle twist that harmonizes perfectly with the autumn ingredients. Herbs Galore: Experiment with different herb blends, such as adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil for a unique flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your favorite combination! Apple Variety: Substitute Fuji apples with tart Granny Smith apples for a more pronounced sweetness or use a mix for a dynamic flavor experience. Each bite can bring a different nuance to your dinner! Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or toss in a few jalapeño slices to infuse your meal with excitement. Spice lovers will adore the added dimension! This One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner is beautifully adaptable, much like the changing seasons. If you’re in the mood for another comforting chicken dish, don’t forget to check out my Indian Butter Chicken or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves! How to Store and Freeze Autumn Chicken Dinner Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F to restore flavor and texture. Freezer: This One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner can be frozen for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and label with the date. Reheating: For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the chicken skin crispier. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the dish out for more than 2 hours to prevent any food safety issues. One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best flavor and moisture, I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They become incredibly juicy and have the perfect texture that complements the roasted vegetables. How do I store leftovers from the One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner? You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it tight. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F to maintain the flavor and texture of the chicken and veggies. Can I freeze this dish? If so, how? Yes, you can freeze the One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner! For optimal results, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, label them with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the container in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven to retain that delightful crispiness. What if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly? Very! If you find that your chicken isn’t cooked evenly, check that the pieces are of similar size. If you’re using larger or smaller pieces, they can cook at different rates. Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You might also try arranging the vegetables evenly around the chicken to promote even heat circulation. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Absolutely! This One Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner is gluten-free, but if you have any specific allergies, such as to certain herbs or bacon, consider swapping them out for alternatives that suit your diet. You can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils, though the cooking time may vary. How should I choose ripe vegetables for this recipe? When selecting vegetables, look for sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth, without dark spots or blemishes. For Brussels sprouts, choose those that are compact and bright green. Apples should be firm and fragrant, avoiding any with bruising or softness. Fresh herbs should be vibrant and aromatic, signaling peak freshness—this will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish! Cozy Autumn Chicken Dinner with Sweet Potatoes & Apples No ratings yet This Autumn Chicken Dinner is a one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken thighs, caramelized sweet potatoes, and crispy Brussels sprouts, perfect for cozy dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsMarination Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 4 peopleCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Chicken Thighs bone-in and skin-on for optimal taste2 tablespoons Olive Oil substitute with avocado oil for a high smoke point2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch3 cloves Garlic (minced) fresh or jarred garlic can be used1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme dried herbs can be substituted but use less1 tablespoon Fresh Sage dried herbs can be substituted but use less1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary dried herbs can be substituted but use lessFor the Vegetables2 cups Sweet Potato can swap for regular potatoes or squash2 cups Brussels Sprouts substitute with green beans or carrots if desired2 pieces Fuji Apples other firm apples like Honeycrisp are great alternatives1 cup Shallots regular onions can be a substituteFor Extra Flavor4 slices Bacon (hickory smoked) omit for a lower-fat version1/4 cup Parsley (chopped) optional but recommended for presentation Equipment OvenBaking SheetResealable Bag Method Step-by-Step Instructions for One Pan Autumn Chicken DinnerPreheat your oven to 425°F.In a resealable bag, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Add chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Seal and shake to marinate for 10-15 minutes.Spread chopped sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, sliced apples, and shallots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss.Remove marinated chicken from the bag and place it on top of the vegetables. Optional: sprinkle bacon over the top.Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and vegetables are tender.For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while watching closely.Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm directly from the pan. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesThis dish strikes a perfect balance of taste and nourishment, making it a hit with friends and family alike. It's easy to adapt with seasonal vegetables. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
