Name: Apple Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded thin; 2 tablespoons flour (gluten-free for gluten-free option); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme); 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary); 1 pinch ground cinnamon (optional); 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine); 1/2 cup apple cider (or apple juice); 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 tablespoon grainy mustard; 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar); 2 large apples, cored and cut into thick slices

This Apple Chicken Skillet is a quick and easy dinner that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce featuring apples, maple syrup, and a hint of mustard. The addition of thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon gives it a perfect fall-inspired flavor, making it a delightful dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Sauce: The creamy mustard-maple sauce is rich, tangy, and slightly sweet with a perfect balance of flavors.
Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts or thighs are seared to golden perfection, locking in the juices for a moist and delicious result.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Seasonal Twist: The apples and cinnamon make this dish ideal for fall, giving a refreshing twist to your usual skillet chicken.
One-Pan Meal: A simple yet hearty meal that’s easy to clean up after.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded thin
2 tablespoons flour (gluten-free for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
1 pinch ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
1/2 cup apple cider (soft) (or apple juice)
1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon grainy mustard
1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar)
2 large apples, cored and cut into thick slices

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dust the chicken with flour, shaking off the excess.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 4-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Onion: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add Flavor: Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and cinnamon, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider, cream, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the sliced apples. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve: Serve the chicken with the apple and creamy sauce, enjoying the balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add Cranberries: Toss in a cup of cranberries with the apples for a tangy contrast.
Cheese It Up: Melt cheddar cheese into the sauce or sprinkle it on top for an extra creamy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to thin the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe, and they tend to be even juicier.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free flour and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I add other fruits to this dish?

Yes! Pears or peaches would also pair well with the savory sauce.

4. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider.

5. Can I make the sauce without cream?

Yes, you can skip the cream for a lighter version or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

6. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

The chicken can be cooked in advance, and the sauce can be made ahead as well. Just reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

7. What type of apple is best for this recipe?

A firm, tart apple like Granny Smith works best for balancing the sweetness of the sauce.

8. Can I cook this dish in the oven?

This recipe is designed to be made in a skillet, but you can finish it in the oven if desired by transferring the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace the cream with coconut milk or another non-dairy alternative.

10. How can I thicken the sauce more?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer, or make a slurry with cornstarch and water to stir in.

Conclusion

Apple Chicken Skillet is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that comes together in just 30 minutes. The creamy mustard maple sauce, paired with juicy chicken and tender apples, makes this a perfect dish for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Try it out for a flavorful and comforting meal!