Apple Chicken Recipe with Bacon and Potatoes
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Savor the comforting flavors of fall with this one-pan apple chicken recipe! Crispy-skinned chicken is cooked with bacon, apples, potatoes, and spinach in a honey mustard sauce. This simple meal is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s ready in just over an hour!
This one-pan chicken dinner is all about big, cozy flavor. I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs because that crispy, golden skin and juicy meat are non-negotiable in my kitchen. The apples roast down until they’re tender and lightly caramelized, adding a sweet contrast to the smoky bacon and savory pan juices. A splash of chicken stock keeps everything juicy and tender.
Then come the flavor boosters: Dijon and grainy mustard for tang, a drizzle of honey for balance, and plenty of sea salt and black pepper to wake it all up. Nugget potatoes soak up every drop in the pan, and a handful of spinach wilted in at the end keeps things fresh. It’s sweet, savory, a little smoky, and exactly the kind of dinner I crave on repeat.
What to serve with this apple chicken recipe
Our favorite way to serve this apple chicken recipe is alongside a big beautiful salad. Although it’s an all-in-one meal, it pairs well with other fall dishes like our autumn quinoa salad, brussels sprouts au gratin, or beet and goat cheese salad.
Recipe FAQs
How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in a covered container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the best apple variety to use?
You can use any sweet or tart apple variety you like, or a mix of them. Just steer clear of softer varieties like Macintosh and Red Delicious, as they’ll become mushy when cooked.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Definitely! You can use skin-on or skinless chicken breasts. Just remember that boneless chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, so roast the potatoes for 15-20 minutes before adding the sauce and chicken breasts to the pan.
What fresh herbs would work with this recipe?
Fresh herbs are a wonderful addition to this recipe. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or even a little cinnamon tastes great.
Apple Chicken Recipe with Bacon and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon (cut into ½ inch slices)
- 2 large crispy apples (diced)
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs (skin on or off – your choice)
- ½ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons EACH: dijon mustard, grainy mustard, and honey
- 1 lb nugget potatoes (quartered)
- 2 cups spinach
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the bacon in a large, ovenproof frying pan over medium heat until it's crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon.4 strips bacon
- Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the apples to the pan and let them cook until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove them from the pan and put them with the bacon.2 large crispy apples
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add them to the pan side side down. When they are golden brown, remove them from the pan.8 bone-in chicken thighs, ½ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- Add the chicken stock, dijon mustard, grainy mustard, and honey to the pan and whisk well. Add the potatoes and stir them through the sauce. Nestle the chicken thighs into the potatoes, browned side up.1 cup chicken stock, 2 tablespoons EACH: dijon mustard, grainy mustard, and honey, 1 lb nugget potatoes
- Cover the pot and put it into your oven to cook for 30 minutes. Remove the cover from the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes more.
- Remove the pot from the oven and add the bacon, apples, and spinach. Pop it back in your oven for 5 minutes to wilt the spinach.2 cups spinach
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Excellent and easy
Thanks, Shiralee!
This is DELICIOUS!! My husband raved over it!! Now, that’s something coming from him! Lol
Made it just like the recipe said & it was perfect!! Thank you Kristen!!
I’m thrilled that you and your husband both loved the recipe!!
This was a great recipe but I could barely read it with so many pop up ads
How do you think this would turn out if you used sweet potatoes instead of regular? Diabetes runs in my family so we eat low carb just to be safe. I think the sweetness of the potatoes would pair nicely with the bacon and apples, but I’m concerned about mixing sweet potatoes and mustard. What do you think?
I think sweet potatoes would be great in this dish! Turnips or parsnips would work well, too.
Do you have to precook the potatoes to follow a recipe for nugget potatoes? Or can you just use raw potatoes?
No need to precook the potatoes. They’ll cook in the pan with the chicken. 🙂
I love this recipe! I’ve made it twice now. I don’t have anything earth shattering to say, I just like it, it’s super tasty!
Thank you for letting us know you loved the recipe!
Delish! Made this for the first time last night and it will definitely become a regular Sunday meal – making plenty for lunch the next day. I used organic boneless/skinless chicken breasts pounded out, which helped reduce the calories per serving. I also boiled down the sauce on the stove top before the last 5 minute bake, wilted the spinach at that time and then threw in the oven under a low broiler – the sauce was way too watery following the instructions and I wanted a little crispness to my potatoes. Turned out so good! Love your recipes!!
I’m so happy to hear it was a hit!
What’s the difference between regular apple cigar and the fruit cidar
They are the same. 🙂
Where do you purchase BC tree fruit apple cider? I live in the Okanagan. Is it in the grocery stores or liquor stores? Thank you
You’ll find it in the cold beer and wine stores and liquor stores!
This recipe was delicious. I used my large cast iron pan and cooked it at 400; the time turned out just right. I thought there might be too much mustard, but the taste was mild. The apples really made it special
I’m so happy to hear it turned out! Hooray!
Am just now preparing this for dinner; but I cannot see the oven temp anywhere. I’m guessing it’s 350. That’s what I’m going with, anyway.
I cooked this at 375. I’m so sorry for missing that important step!!
Hi!
Love your recipes! Thanks so much for sharing. I frequently pass them on to my co-workers and they love them too!
Question about the above; the two ambrosia apples, diced, are listed twice, but only one set of cooking directions for them. Should four apples be used?
Nope, just 2 apples. The second time you see them in the directions is when you add them back into the dish along with the bacon. Sorry for the confusion!
Oh they do get along great!!!
What an amazing combination of flavors! Love everything about this dish. Apples are such a great addition to savoury dishes!
Thank you! I love them, too. They’re such a versatile fruit!