Pan-Roasted Chicken with Spiced Cinnamon Monkey Bread

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

Juicy pan-roasted chicken paired with sweet, cinnamon-swirled monkey bread inspired by a popular Champlin treat. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat 4 bone-in chicken thighs dry 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 and sear chicken skin-side down for 6 minutes until golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: Flip chicken thighs, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and roast in oven for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken roasts, melt 4 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon until bubbly and thickened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Toss 12 biscuit dough balls in the cinnamon butter mixture, coating them thoroughly. Transfer dough balls to a greased bundt pan, layering evenly.
  5. Step 5: Bake monkey bread in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Mix 1/4 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over warm monkey bread before serving alongside the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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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