Description

Chicken Fricassee with Apples is a comforting yet elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy apple cider sauce with caramelized apples. The balance of sweet apples and savory herbs makes it hearty but refined, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients

2 sweet apples (Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn), cut into 16 wedges each

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

Salt and pepper, to taste

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

½ cup apple cider (not sweetened apple juice)

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

½ cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or additional thyme leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Wash and cut apples into wedges (16 per apple), leaving the skin on.
Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and brown apple wedges on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Transfer to a bowl.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and brown the chicken breasts. Remove and set aside.
Add onion, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened and lightly browned (7–8 minutes).
Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then return chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Transfer chicken to a platter and keep warm. Stir heavy cream into the skillet, bring to a boil, and reduce for 5 minutes.
Add apple cider vinegar, return apples and chicken juices to the skillet, adjust seasoning, and stir in fresh parsley.
Spoon the sauce over chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

Use firm, slightly sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn for best results.

Chicken thighs can be substituted but require longer simmering.

For a lighter version, reduce cream and increase broth.

Can be made a day ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

Not freezer-friendly due to the cream sauce.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and apples
Calories: 480
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 150mg