Roasted Chicken Thighs with Quince
This elegant one-pan meal features succulent roasted chicken thighs alongside sweet, caramelized quince and aromatic herbs, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort.
For 2 servings
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized roasting pan or oven-safe dish.
Prepare the quince: Peel, core, and cut the quince into 1/2-inch thick wedges. Quince is quite firm, so use a sharp knife and be careful. Slice the red onion into 1/4-inch thick half-moons and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
In the prepared roasting pan, combine the quince wedges, sliced red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and the fresh thyme leaves. Toss everything together until well coated.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with additional salt and black pepper.
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the quince and onion mixture in the roasting pan. If using, drizzle the honey over the chicken and vegetables, then squeeze the juice from half a lemon over everything.
Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 74°C (165°F). The quince should be tender and caramelized.
Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
Serve the roasted chicken thighs with the caramelized quince and onions, spooning any pan juices over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of couscous.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose ripe quince: Look for firm, yellow quince with a fragrant aroma. Green quince will be harder and less sweet.
- 2Pat chicken dry for crispy skin: Ensuring the chicken skin is completely dry before seasoning and roasting is key to achieving a beautifully crispy skin.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the chicken and quince enough space in the roasting pan to allow for proper air circulation, which promotes even cooking and browning.
- 4Resting is crucial: Always rest roasted meats for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb juices, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Substitution
If quince is unavailable, firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) or pears (like Bosc) can be used as a delicious alternative, though they will cook faster and be sweeter.
Herb & Spice TwistHerb & Spice Twist
Experiment with other herbs like fresh rosemary or sage, or add a pinch of cinnamon or star anise to the quince for a more autumnal, aromatic profile.
Add Root VegetablesAdd Root Vegetables
For a heartier meal, add chunks of sweet potato, carrots, or parsnips to the roasting pan along with the quince and onion. Adjust cooking time as needed for tenderness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
High in Fiber
Quince is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant Boost
Both quince and olive oil contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can, but the cooking time will be shorter (around 25-30 minutes), and you'll miss out on the crispy skin and some of the flavor that bone-in, skin-on thighs provide. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
