One Pan Chicken with Apples & Smoked Bacon

I love nothing more than filling your home with the aroma of savory foods roasting in the oven during the colder weather. One pot meals are an easy way to entice the aromatic spices of fall into your home. The first food that comes to mind this time of year is of course apples. My sister Carol had recently sent me this recipe that she had tried. She raved about the combination of apples and smoked bacon. Carol found the recipe on the site, Cooking Classy- and you can check out the site here.

I decided to make it for my husband as the combination of apples and sweet potatoes sounded very tasty. We both loved it! I am sharing it with you today. It’s an easy one pan dish that serves up a nice serving of fall’s flavorful vegetables.

Ingredients for One Pan Chicken with Apples & Smoked Bacon

• 5 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp each minced fresh thyme, sage, rosemary
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large sweet potato chopped into 3/4 cubes
• 1 lb Brussles Sprouts, sliced into halves
• 2 lb medium fuji apples, cored and sliced into thick wedges
• 2 shallot bulbs, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
• 4 slices of hickory smoked bacon, chopped into 1 inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees
• Pour 2 Tbsp olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, herbs into a large gallon size resealable bag
• Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, then seal bag and massage mixture over chicken while working to evenly distribute herbs. Set aside and let rest while chopping veggies
• Place sweet potato, brussels sprouts, apples and shallot on an 18x 13 inch rimmed baking sheet.
• Drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil then toss to evenly coat, season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread into an even layer.
• Set chicken thighs over veggie/apple layer
• Separate any pieces of bacon that may be stuck together then sprinkle bacon over veggie apple mixture
• Roast in pre heated oven until chicken and veggies are golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Chicken should register 165 in center. Broil during last few minutes for a more golden brown crispy skin on chicken if desired.
• Garnish and serve.

This chicken dish has comfort food written all over it. The blending of apples and sweet potatoes with the onions and smoked bacon is what caught my attention and it certainly did not fail my expectations. You will not be using your scented candles when you can prepare a meal that fills your home with wonderful home cooking.