Sunshine’s Roasted Winter Vegetables With Chicken Apple is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the best of winter produce and the sweetness of apples. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday meal. The combination of sweet roasted root vegetables and savory chicken makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, while the addition of apples adds a delightful twist that enhances the flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy vegetable medley or a new way to enjoy your favorite winter vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Sunshine’s Roasted Winter Vegetables With Chicken Apple, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 shallots, peeled and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken Apple:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 large apples, cored and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, red onion, Brussels sprouts, and shallots. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, and then sprinkle with chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 3: Roast the Vegetables
Spread the prepared vegetables in a single layer on the lined baking sheets. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Be sure to toss the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Apple
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the chicken apple. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 6: Sauté the Apples
In the same skillet, add the sliced apples. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove them from the oven and arrange them on a large serving platter. Slice the chicken breasts and place them on top of the roasted vegetables. Finally, spoon the sautéed apples over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips:
- Even Slicing: To ensure all your vegetables roast evenly, try to cut them into similar-sized pieces. This will help prevent some vegetables from overcooking while others remain undercooked.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the apples for a warm, cozy flavor, or swap out the rosemary for thyme if you prefer a different herb.
- Resting the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and replace it with hearty vegetables like butternut squash or more root vegetables. You can also add chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, replace the honey with maple syrup and the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a bit of heat, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the roasted vegetables.
Substitutions:
- Apples: If you’re not a fan of apples, pears work beautifully in this dish as well. Their sweetness complements the savory flavors just as nicely.
- Brussels Sprouts: Not everyone loves Brussels sprouts. If that’s the case, you can substitute them with broccoli or cauliflower.
- Honey: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of honey or omit it altogether.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional content per serving for Sunshine’s Roasted Winter Vegetables With Chicken Apple:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 220mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Sunshine’s Roasted Winter Vegetables With Chicken Apple is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of winter’s best flavors. The combination of sweet and savory elements, along with the richness of roasted vegetables, makes this recipe a true winner. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Give it a try and experience the delightful blend of flavors for yourself. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing how your version turned out, and feel free to explore other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com. If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more mouthwatering dishes delivered straight to your inbox.