This Apple Chicken Skillet is a warm and tasty dish that brings sweet and savory together. Juicy chicken cooks with tender apples and bits of onion for a lovely twist!
The mix of flavors is just delightful! Honestly, who can resist the idea of chicken with apples? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love serving it with rice for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skin-on chicken breasts are great for this dish as they remain juicy while cooking. You can substitute with skinless chicken thighs for more flavor.
Apples: Gala and Honeycrisp apples are perfect here. They’re sweet but have enough tartness too. However, feel free to use Granny Smith for a more tart flavor or Fuji for extra sweetness.
Onion: A large onion adds depth. You can swap in shallots for a sweeter, milder flavor or use red onion for a splash of color.
Cream: Heavy cream makes a rich sauce, but half-and-half works if you want something lighter. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
Spices: While this recipe calls for Dijon mustard, you can try whole-grain mustard for a bit of texture or omit it for a creamier sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Sear Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Searing chicken is crucial for adding taste. It creates a beautiful golden crust and locks in juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry chicken – pat them with paper towels. Moisture prevents browning.
- Preheat your skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers.
- Add chicken skin-side down and ensure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Let them cook without moving for 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they easily release from the skillet.
Getting this step right will elevate your dish, resulting in delicious flavor and texture! Enjoy your cooking!
Apple Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 to 3 medium apples, cored and sliced (e.g., Gala or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or paprika for warmth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Chicken Skillet takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for guests. You’ll be amazed at how easily everything comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper—don’t be shy with the seasoning!
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts skin-side down into the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Then, flip them over and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and apple slices. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they become soft and start to caramelize. This will build great flavor!
4. Adding Flavor:
Mix in the minced garlic and thyme leaves, cooking for 1 more minute until the garlic is fragrant. It will smell amazing in your kitchen!
5. Making the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious brown bits stuck at the bottom of the pan—this adds flavor! Then stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, combining everything to create a creamy sauce. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne or paprika at this point.
6. Simmering the Chicken:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce with the onion and apple mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
7. Serving It Up:
Once the chicken is cooked through, garnish with a few more fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, spooning that luscious creamy apple-onion sauce over the chicken. This dish is fantastic with rice, mashed potatoes, or a crusty piece of bread.
This recipe beautifully balances the savory flavors of the chicken with the sweetness of the apples, making it a hearty meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Can I Use Skinless Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken breasts! They will still cook up nicely, but note that they may not be as juicy or flavorful compared to skin-on chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as skinless breasts may cook faster.
What Type of Apples Work Best for This Recipe?
Gala and Honeycrisp apples are fantastic choices due to their sweet flavor and slight tartness. However, you can also use Granny Smith if you prefer a more tart contrast to the savory chicken.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of This Dish?
If you want to decrease the spice, simply omit the cayenne or paprika altogether. For a milder dish, you can also reduce the amount of Dijon mustard.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of simmering and then refrigerate it for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
