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Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that brings together bold fall flavors and wholesome nutrition? Apple Cinnamon Chicken Thighs are the answer! This one-pan wonder features juicy chicken thighs, tender sweet potatoes, fresh swiss chard, crisp apples, and a sweet-savory marinade that makes every bite unforgettable. You’ll love the simplicity and nourishment this meal offers, ideal for anyone seeking quick dinner ideas, baked chicken recipes, or simple chicken breast recipes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under an hour
- Bold flavors and hearty ingredients
- Minimal prep and hands-off cooking
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with veggies
Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Amount/Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) | 2½-3 pounds (about 8 pieces; 2 per person) |
| Apple cider or apple juice | 1 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Fine sea salt | 1½ teaspoons + 2 tsp., divided affiliate: Sea Salt |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon + ½ tsp., divided |
| Swiss chard | 2 pounds (1-2 large bunches) |
| Sweet potatoes | 1½ pounds (about 3 medium) |
| Shallots | 4 |
| Apple | 1 (any variety) |
| Avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil | ¼ cup affiliate: Avocado Oil |
| Flaky sea salt | for garnish affiliate: Flaky Salt |
| Fresh thyme (optional) | 3 tablespoons, roughly chopped |
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Include these affiliate-linked essentials for best results:
- air fryer (optional for crisping veggies)
- electric mixer (for other baking projects)
- oven – must-have for sheet pan dinners
- food processor (for prepping veggies)
- pots
- frying pans
- kitchen utensils
- cutting board
- chef’s knives
- measuring cups and spoons set
- mixing bowls
- baking sheets
- electric can opener
- colander strainer basket
- peeler
- meat tenderizer
- garlic press
- whisk
- rolling pin
- steamer insert
- weight kitchen
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large Ziploc bag or resealable container, whisk together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, 1½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. It may take a minute to blend in the cinnamon, but keep whisking until smooth. Reserve ¼ cup marinade separately for later.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, toss to coat well. If using a bag, squeeze out excess air, seal, and massage. Marinate on the counter for 1 hour or overnight in the fridge, turning at least once. Bring to room temperature before baking.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Prep the veggies: Rinse and dry the swiss chard. Trim and discard bottom stem. Roughly chop leaves and stems. Peel sweet potatoes and chop into ½-inch cubes. Peel and chop shallots. Core and chop apple.
- Add veggies to a baking sheet. Toss with oil, 2 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper until well-coated. Spread out in a single layer don’t worry if the chard heaps up, it will shrink!
- Remove chicken from marinade and place on top of veggies. Discard used marinade. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra black pepper.
- Bake 25–32 minutes, until chicken registers 175°F on an instant-read thermometer (inserted into the thickest part, avoiding bone).
- Optional: Sprinkle the baked chicken and veggies with fresh thyme.
- Transfer chicken to a plate. Drizzle reserved marinade over the veggies and toss gently.
- Serve veggies topped with chicken enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, broil in the oven for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Swap swiss chard for spinach or kale if preferred.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked thighs.
- Make-ahead: Marinate chicken the night before for maximum flavor.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Yes! Adjust cooking time to 18–24 minutes. Always check with a thermometer for doneness.
Can I prep this recipe in an air fryer?
You can cook portions in an air fryer, but a baking sheet in the oven works best for larger batches.
What’s the best apple variety?
Any will do Granny Smith for tartness, Fuji/Honeycrisp for sweetness.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely. Store cooked chicken and veggies in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
PrintApple Cinnamon Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs marinated in apple cider and cinnamon, baked with sweet potatoes, apples, and swiss chard for a flavorful one-pan meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2½–3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup apple cider or juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1½ teaspoons fine sea salt, plus 2 tsp., divided
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus ½ tsp., divided
2 pounds swiss chard
1½ pounds sweet potatoes
4 shallots
1 apple
¼ cup avocado or olive oil
flaky sea salt
3 tablespoons fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
1. Whisk apple cider, vinegar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper; reserve ¼ cup marinade.
2. Add chicken to marinade; marinate up to 1 hour or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F.
4. Prep and chop veggies; add to baking sheet.
5. Toss veggies with oil, salt, and pepper; spread in single layer.
6. Place chicken on veggies; discard marinade; pat dry; add salt & pepper.
7. Bake 25–32 minutes; check 175°F internal temp.
8. Sprinkle thyme, if using; transfer chicken; drizzle reserved marinade over veggies.
9. Serve veggies and chicken together.
Notes
Swap chard for spinach or kale if desired. Broil chicken for crispy skin.
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