1. Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Add apples to pan; cook 6 minutes or until edges are very brown, stirring frequently. Remove apples from pan; set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add bacon to pan; cook 3 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving drippings; set bacon aside. Add onions to drippings in pan; cover and cook 8 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken broth, vinegar, and thyme leaves; cook 7 minutes. Uncover; return apples to pan. Cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in bacon, salt, and pepper. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.