Pan-Roasted Chicken with Pepperoni and Cinnamon Monkey Bread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory pan-roasted chicken paired with a sweet, pull-apart monkey bread infused with cinnamon, inspired by classic flavors from Champlin favorites. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, pepperoni slices, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 bone-in chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook 3 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Scatter 1/2 cup pepperoni slices around the chicken thighs in the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
  5. Step 5: Tear monkey bread dough into small balls and dip each ball into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated. Arrange the coated dough balls in a greased bundt pan.
  6. Step 6: Bake the monkey bread at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let cool 5 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
  7. Step 7: Serve the pan-roasted chicken with pepperoni alongside warm monkey bread pieces for a sweet and savory meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Chicken with Pepperoni and Cinnamon Monkey Bread take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Roasted Chicken with Pepperoni and Cinnamon Monkey Bread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Chicken with Pepperoni and Cinnamon Monkey Bread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Roasted Chicken with Pepperoni and Cinnamon Monkey Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Roasted Chicken with Pepperoni and Cinnamon Monkey Bread?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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