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Crispy One-Pan Harvest Chicken Thighs Recipe with Roasted Apples and Bacon

crispy one-pan harvest chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring crispy chicken thighs paired with roasted apples and smoky bacon, perfect for cozy fall gatherings and last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (preferably organic or free-range)
  • 2 medium firm apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced
  • 4 strips bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup chicken broth

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 half the thyme.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken skin-side down. Sear for about 6-8 minutes without moving, until skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 3 minutes. Then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  5. Add bacon pieces to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp.
  6. Add minced garlic and sliced apples to the pan. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the apples start to soften and caramelize slightly.
  7. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.
  8. Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up, nestling them among the apples and bacon. Sprinkle the remaining thyme over everything.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the apples are tender.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Do not move chicken while searing to develop a golden crust. Use a heavy pan like cast iron for even heat. If apples brown too quickly, tent pan with foil during last 10 minutes. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet or oven to maintain crispy skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, one-pan recipe, roasted apples, bacon, crispy chicken, fall recipe, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/crispy-one-pan-harvest-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-roasted-apples-and-bacon/