What's better than a one pan dinner?! Make my fall-inspired Sheet Pan Sweet Potato, Apple and Chicken Dinner and you'll realize, not much! Sweet potatoes and apples are sprinkled with cinnamon and herbs and tossed together with tender bite size pieces of chicken. In this post I'll show you 2 different ways to serve it! You'll also love my Sweet Potato Apple Soup, Harvest Grain Bowl and Salad Stuffed Purple Sweet Potatoes.
Main Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes- a complex carb that's rich in vitamins and minerals, fiber and makes the meal filling.
Apples- makes this dish perfect for fall and you can use any variety you like for this recipe.
Chicken thighs- are tender and juicy and don't dry out like breasts do.
Sage and thyme- makes this dish smell like Thanksgiving, and you can use dried or fresh herbs for this recipe.
Cinnamon- the quintessential cozy spice that works so well with sweet potatoes and apples.
Shallots- add the perfect savory oniony goodness that balances out the natural sweetness of this dish.
Extra virgin olive oil- a good quality oil makes all the difference in a dish (my recommendation is linked in the recipe card).
Step by Step Guide
Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner Tips
As a dietitian, I recommend sheet pan dinners all the time to my patients, especially for those who are trying to develop sustainable healthy eating habits for weight loss. Sheet pan dinners allow you to save time and energy. Something we all seem to be lacking these days.
Keep these tips in mind when planning a sheet pan dinner:
Pick your veggies- if you're a picky eater, then you're in luck. Roasting veggies takes it to another level in terms of flavor (this is not how you remember eating them when you were little). So experiment with different vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, carrots, peppers. So many delicious choices! Remember half your plate should be vegetables!
Choose your protein- sheet pan dinners are great for any dietary pattern. Plant-based protein options include tofu or beans like chickpeas. Flexetarian options can include salmon, chicken, and beef, for example.
Spice it up!- pick your favorite spices to jazz things up. Spices and herbs allow you to add flavor without using excess sodium. Spices and herbs also have tons of antioxidants so they're good for you too! Fill your cabinet with a variety. Some of my favorites include rosemary, thyme, sage, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, chili powder, harissa, fennel, basil, red pepper flakes.
Ways To Serve Sheet Pan Sweet Potato, Apple and Chicken Dinner
My family goes crazy when I make this dinner. It's one of those meals that everyone enjoys. The flavors of this meal remind me of a warm and comforting Thanksgiving dinner, but without all the work!
Of course, this dinner is delicious straight from the pan.
But, if you wanted to make it even more interesting, you can turn it into a warm salad! THINK SWEET GREENS (but less expensive)!
I add the lettuce and dressing straight to the baking sheet (once it cools down a bit), keeping it a one pan meal!
This salad goes perfectly with my popular Fall Salad Dressing! I usually add some cranberries, goat cheese and pumpkin seeds too!
Sheet Pan Sweet Potato, Apple and Chicken Dinner
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes skin on and cubed about 1.25 inches wide
- 2 cups apples any variety, peeled and cubed about 1.25 inches wide
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs cut into 2-3 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 shallots peeled and quartered
- chopped fresh sage leaves
- 2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp coarse salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 tsp dried or fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F.
- To a baking sheet add the sweet potatoes, apples and shallots. Add half the salt and pepper, the cinnamon and olive oil, then give it a toss. Roast for 10 minutes.
- While that's happening, prep the chicken and season with remaining salt and pepper.
- Remove pan from oven and carefully, with tongs, nestle the chicken pieces in between the potatoes and apples and sprinkle on the herbs. Put the pan back in the oven and cook another 15 minutes. Remove pan and give everything a toss then cook another 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through. See serving notes above.
Nutrition
I prefer to focus on quality ingredients from a variety of sources that work in tandem to promote optimal health. Nutrition calculations may not reflect these valuable interactions. However, I understand certain values can be helpful to some. Please note these calculations are merely estimates. Values will vary depending on modifications, brands used, and portion size. Should you require specific information, it's best to consult with a dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
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