Apple Orchard Chicken

Apple Orchard Chicken is my new favorite way to enjoy all of my freshly picked apples from the apple orchard! It is tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with herbs, paired with sweet apples sautéed in butter and brown sugar, all brightened with lemon juice. It is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and I love it for a cozy weeknight dinner, especially in cooler Fall months. But, it is also special enough to serve guests. After a few tweaks, I finally got this recipe just right!

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 medium lemons, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored, sliced into ½-inch slices
• 1 medium lemon, sliced for garnish
• fresh thyme, for garnish