Apple Chicken Curry

This easy Sheet Pan Chicken & Apple Curry is a complete meal on a pan, and will fill your family up with chicken, rice, fruits and vegetables. Everything goes onto a single baking pan!

Why I love One Sheet Pan Chicken Apple Curry

People often ask me what I eat for dinner when I don’t have a recipe to develop for a client, or a photo shoot to do that day. More often than not, the answer (especially in the fall and winter) is “whatever I can make in one skillet or on one sheet pan.”

I do SO many dishes for my job throughout the work week that when it comes to dinner time for my husband and I, one pan (plus an apple cider old fashioned) sounds like enough (even though my husband actually enjoys doing dishes, like a weirdo).

While a one sheet pan dinner for us is often just a few chicken thighs, some brussels sprouts and a sweet potato, lately I’ve been experimenting with slightly more exotic (although still simple and still ONE pan) dinners. My Skillet Mac and Cheese is a favorite.

I love this recipe because of the balance of flavors. The savory chicken and curry powder, combined with the sweetness of the Fuji apples and the raisins hits the spot for me. I love this curry topped with a dollop of tangy yogurt and a sprinkle of cashews.

Why this Apple Curry Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe works

This easy Sheet Pan Chicken & Apple Curry is a complete meal on a pan, and will fill your family up with chicken, rice, fruits and vegetables. Everything goes onto a single rimmed baking pan, in different stages.

Tips for Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

The keys to this recipe are to cut the chicken small enough to cook relatively quickly (1-inch pieces work well) and to use a few pouches of microwavable basmati rice (also perfect for Instant Pot sweet and sour chicken and my Greek rice recipe). You don’t actually need to microwave the rice first – it will cook from steam trapped under the foil on the baking pan.

Ingredients for a Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

• chicken thighs – boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my choice for protein in this dish, as they stay tender and juicy when baked.
• garlic – adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• butter – provides richness and gives the rice a delicious flavor
• curry powder – the warm and fragrant spice blend that gives the dish it’s characteristic curry flavor.
• yellow onion – adds a subtle sweetness that complements the apples.
• microwavable basmati rice – a quick and convenient way to prepare rice for this curry (even though we won’t be microwaving it)!
• Fuji apples – these provide a crisp, sweet-tart flavor that contrasts the savory curry flavors, adding a unique twist to this dish.
• frozen peas – add a pop of color!
• raisins – you’ll love the delightful little bursts of sweet flavor that raisins add to the dish.
• cashews, cilantro and plain yogurt, for serving – these are all optional but allow you to customize your serving of curry to your liking by adding additional textures and flavors.

Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner substitutions and additions

• CHICKEN – You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer, but the overall dish may be a bit dryer and not as full-flavored.
• VEGGIES – Feel free to add extra veggies, like bell peppers, carrots or zucchini!
• RAISINS – either traditional or golden raisins work here. Chopped dried apricots would be a great substitute if you didn’t have raisins.

How to make Sheet Pan Boneless Chicken Thighs (Apple Chicken Curry)

1. Preheat the oven and stir together the melted butter, garlic, curry powder and salt.
2. Spray a rimmed baking pan with cooking spray and spread the onion in a single layer over the pan. Bake for 8 minutes or until the onion is lightly browned.
3. Add the chicken in an even layer over the onion, and then sprinkle the rice over the chicken.
4. Drizzle everything with the butter mixture and then cover the pan with foil. Bake for 20 more minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the oven, add the apples, peas and raisins and give everything a good stir. Re-cover the pan and bake 8 to 10 more minutes or until the chicken is cooked.

How to serve Apple Chicken Curry

I recommend serving the curry garnished with chopped cilantro and cashews, and a dollop of plain yogurt.

The creamy yogurt complements the spices and adds a cooling element to the dish, while the cilantro and cashews provide freshness and crunch.

How to store Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and cook in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Sheet Pan Boneless Chicken Thighs FAQs