100% FreeDr. Colbert’s 21 Day Keto Zone Challenge·Meal plans, recipes and daily guidance. Start any time.Join Free
DrColbert.com

Faith-Based Wellness

Dr. Don Colbert, MD

New York Times Bestselling Author

Your trusted source for health articles, recipes, and spiritual wellness from the doctor behind Divine Health.

Detox sheet pan chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts, apple wedges and red onion on a rustic fall table
Detox & Cleanse Detox & Cleanse Recipes Recipes

Detox Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apples

Detox Dinner Recipe

Detox Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apples

When the air turns crisp, this is the dinner I want on the table. Juicy lemon herb chicken roasts alongside caramelized Brussels sprouts, sweet apple wedges and red onion, all on one pan. There is no heavy sauce and no added sugar to hide behind, just real food and big flavor. Cleanup is easy, and the leftovers make a great lunch.

Prep
15 min
Cook
37 min
Serves
4
Diet
Gluten-free, dairy-free

The secret: Roast the Brussels sprouts first, add the chicken second and the apples last, so everything finishes at the same time with crispy edges and no mushy fruit.

Ingredients

  • ✓ 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless pasture-raised chicken thighs
  • ✓ 1 1/2 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • ✓ 2 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and cut into 1-inch wedges
  • ✓ 1 medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges
  • ✓ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • ✓ 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus the zest of 1 lemon
  • ✓ 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ✓ 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ✓ 1 tsp pure maple syrup
  • ✓ 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
  • ✓ 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
  • ✓ 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ✓ 1 tsp sea salt, divided
  • ✓ 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • ✓ 1/4 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
  • ✓ 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional add-ins

Scatter a handful of pomegranate seeds over the finished pan for a juicy pop. Serve with an extra squeeze of lemon and a side of simple steamed greens.

How to Make It

  1. 1Heat the ovenPreheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment, or use two pans so nothing is crowded.
  2. 2Make the marinadeIn a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, rosemary, thyme, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper.
  3. 3Marinate the chickenPat the chicken thighs dry. Add them to the bowl and turn to coat. Let them sit while you prep the vegetables, about 10 minutes.
  4. 4Start the sproutsToss the Brussels sprouts and red onion with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread them on the pan, cut side down, and roast for 12 minutes.
  5. 5Add the chickenPull the pan out and push the vegetables to the sides. Place the chicken in the center, spooning any extra marinade over the top. Roast for 15 minutes.
  6. 6Add the applesTuck the apple wedges around the chicken and vegetables. Roast 10 minutes more, until the chicken reaches 165°F, the sprouts are browned and the apples are tender.
  7. 7Rest and finishLet the pan rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the pecans and parsley, and serve with extra lemon wedges if you like.

Make It Your Way

Wild Salmon Version

Swap the chicken for 4 wild salmon fillets. Roast the vegetables and apples first, then add the salmon for the last 12 minutes.

Pear and Walnut

Use firm pears in place of the apples and walnuts in place of the pecans for a softer, mellow sweetness.

Harvest Squash

Add 2 cups of 1-inch butternut squash cubes with the Brussels sprouts. Roast them from the start so they turn golden and tender.

Why This Recipe Supports Your Detox

  • Fiber-rich vegetables: Brussels sprouts, onion and apples bring fiber and plant nutrients that help support healthy digestion.
  • Clean protein: Pasture-raised chicken gives you satisfying protein without processed meat or fillers.
  • Flavor from real food: Lemon, garlic, rosemary and thyme season the whole pan, so you do not need sugary sauces or artificial flavors.
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free: There is no flour, dairy or refined sugar here, just whole ingredients and olive oil.

Dr. Colbert’s Detox Tips

Do not crowd the pan. Vegetables roast and brown when they have space. If the pan looks packed, use two pans so you get crispy edges instead of steam.

Cut apples thick. One-inch wedges and a late start keep the apples tender but not mushy.

Choose organic when you can. Apples and Brussels sprouts are easy to find organic in the fall, and pasture-raised chicken is worth seeking out for the best quality.

✦ From Dr. Colbert’s Table

Autumn is a beautiful reminder that God provides in season. A pan full of vegetables, fruit and clean protein is a simple way to pause, give thanks and care well for the body He gave us.

“You crown the year with Your goodness, And Your paths drip with abundance.” (Psalm 65:11, NKJV)

Storage

Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or a skillet for 8 to 10 minutes so the sprouts stay crisp. Freezing is not recommended, since the apples and sprouts soften.

Important noteNutrition information is an estimate and depends on the brands and sizes of ingredients you use. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.
Free Challenge · 21-Day Detox Challenge

Recipes like this one are the backbone of Dr. Colbert’s free 21-Day Detox Challenge, a full three-week plan to support your gut, rebuild your energy and renew your body from the inside out. Join the 21-Day Detox Free →

Was this helpful?

What stood out to you most, and have you tried any of this yourself?

Tell us on Facebook
Don Colbert, MD, has been board-certified in family practice and in anti-aging and integrative medicine for more than 25 years. He is the medical director of the Divine Health Wellness Center, where he has treated more than 50,000 patients, and a New York Times bestselling author of books including The Seven Pillars of Health, What Would Jesus Eat?, Deadly Emotions and Keto Zone Diet, with more than ten million books sold. He hosts Dr. Colbert's Broadcast with his wife Mary and son Kyle, where faith meets functional medicine. He and Mary live in Orlando, Florida and Dallas, Texas.