Seasonal Splendor: A One-Pan Autumn Chicken Dinner with Roasted Apples & Sweet Potatoes

Autumn Chicken Dinner

Introduction

An Autumn Chicken Dinner is the ultimate way to relish the rich, comforting flavors that define the fall season. Infused with the warmth of seasonal herbs, tender root vegetables, and juicy chicken, this meal delivers the kind of cozy satisfaction that’s perfect for crisp evenings and family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting friends or planning a quiet weeknight meal, this recipe comes together easily and brings festive flair to your table.

Why This Autumn Chicken Dinner Is a Seasonal Favorite

The blend of savory roasted chicken with caramelized apples, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices makes this dish a celebration of autumn flavors. It’s a one-pan wonder: everything cooks together, allowing the juices and seasonings to meld, infusing both the chicken and vegetables with unparalleled depth of flavor. Cleanup is a snap, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Crafting Flavorful Fall Aromatics

This chicken dinner relies on simple, wholesome ingredients for big impact. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful, while apples and root vegetables provide natural sweetness and hearty texture. A blend of sage, rosemary, and thyme brings out the best in each element, while a splash of apple cider or broth ties all the flavors together with a subtle tang.

One-Pan Wonder: Assembling Your Autumn Chicken Dinner

Toss your chopped vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before spreading them on a rimmed baking sheet. Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces among the veggies, making sure each thigh is skin-side up for optimal crispiness. As it roasts, the chicken juices mingle with the vegetables, creating a savory-sweet pan sauce that’s spoon-worthy.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Autumn Chicken Dinner

Serve your chicken and roasted veggie medley straight from the oven for a rustic presentation. Pair with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, or add a simple leafy green salad with vinaigrette for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkling of toasted pecans.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields four hearty servings. Each plate is loaded with lean protein from the chicken and ample fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the seasonal veggies. Per serving, expect about 430 calories—a filling and nourishing pick for autumn evenings.

Autumn Chicken Dinner (Recap)

Easy, nourishing, and full of classic fall flavor, this Autumn Chicken Dinner is destined to become a staple. Its fusion of herbs, juicy chicken, and caramelized vegetables is all you need for a satisfying seasonal meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 apples, cored and cut into thick wedges
1 large red onion, cut into wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup apple cider or low-sodium chicken broth
Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped pecans for serving

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Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large, rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan.
  2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes, apples, and red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, half the rosemary, sage, and thyme, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the mixture out on the baking sheet.
  3. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with remaining herbs, salt, and pepper. Place chicken, skin-side up, on top of the vegetables and apples.
  4. Pour apple cider or chicken broth around (not over) the chicken to keep everything juicy as it roasts.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken skin is golden, veggies are tender, and internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. If desired, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to crisp up the chicken skin.
  7. Let rest for a few minutes. Top with chopped pecans, if using, and extra fresh herbs before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Autumn Chicken Dinner is perfect for preparing ahead or doubling for leftover lunches. Save and schedule this recipe to any night of your week, and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate exactly what you need.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across your planned recipes
  • Keeps your shopping list organized by grocery store sections
  • Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
  • Makes your weekly meal prep streamlined, saving you valuable time

Pro tip: When planning several meals, schedule your recipes to see overlapping ingredients—like fresh herbs—so you shop efficiently and avoid waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

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