Apple Chicken – It is a delicious recipe that combines tender chicken with sweet apples for a flavorful, healthy dish. Perfect for fall meals, this easy-to-make dish brings together savory and sweet flavors in one satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Chicken
Are you looking for a unique dish that’s both savory and sweet, perfect for any dinner occasion? Look no further than Apple Chicken—a delightful recipe that combines tender chicken with the natural sweetness of apples. The mix of flavors creates an irresistible balance that will leave your family and guests asking for seconds.
This dish pairs juicy, caramelized apples with the richness of perfectly seasoned chicken, resulting in a meal that feels comforting yet refined. In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about apple chicken, including tips, tricks, variations, and the best ways to serve and store it.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh apples: Fresh apples are key to getting that balance of sweet and tart. If you prefer a tarter profile, go for Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter result, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work beautifully.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Searing the chicken locks in the juices, but it’s crucial not to overcook it during the simmering process. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Enhance the sauce: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra depth.
Variations of Apple Cider Chicken
There are countless ways to customize this apple chicken recipe depending on your preferences and what you have in your pantry.
Baked Apple Chicken : If you’re a fan of baked dishes, you can transfer the seared chicken, apples, and onions to a baking dish and roast at 375°F for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld even more, and you can add vegetables like carrots or parsnips for a complete meal.
Apple Chicken with Bacon : For added indulgence, toss some crispy bacon pieces into the skillet just before serving. The salty crunch contrasts beautifully with the sweet apples.
Spicy Apple Chicken : Looking to add some heat? Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the cooking process. This will give the dish a spicy-sweet kick that’s sure to please anyone who loves bold flavors.
Creamy Apple Chicken : For a more luxurious texture, stir in a ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking. This transforms the dish into a creamy, comforting version that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice.
How to Serve Apple Chicken
Here are some delicious side dish ideas to complete the meal:
- Mashed potatoes: The creaminess of mashed potatoes balances the sweet-tart flavors of the apple sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash make excellent accompaniments.
- Wild rice or quinoa: These grains absorb the sauce beautifully and add a bit of texture to the dish.
- Crisp green salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich apple chicken.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing Apple Chicken:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent drying out. Heat on medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for apple chicken?
Tart apples like Granny Smiths hold up well when cooked and add a pleasant tang. If you prefer sweeter apples, opt for Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare apple chicken up to 2 days ahead. Cook as directed, then cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Can I freeze apple chicken?
Absolutely! Freeze the cooked chicken and apple mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can provide a similar tang.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the skillet in the last few minutes of cooking.
Apple Chicken (One Skillet)
Apple Chicken is a delicious recipe that combines tender chicken with sweet apples for a flavorful, healthy dish. Perfect for fall meals, this easy-to-make dish brings together savory and sweet flavors in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups (250g) apple slices (about 1/4-inch thick, no need to peel)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)
- 1/3 cup (40g) chopped shallots (or yellow onion)
- Optional: fresh thyme and rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, 3/4 tsp salt, thyme, coriander, nutmeg, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (I prefer cast iron) over medium heat, adding a drizzle of oil to coat.
- Place chicken thighs in the pan and cook for 5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and cover lightly with foil.
- Create the Sauce: In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Stir in brown sugar, apples, shallots, and the remaining 1/4 tsp salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften (about 5 minutes). Pour in the apple cider and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish the Dish: Add the chicken back into the pan with the apples and sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and spoon the apple mixture over the chicken to serve.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary if desired, and enjoy this cozy meal right away!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 582mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 7g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Apple chicken is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the sweet-tartness of apples with the savory depth of chicken. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish delivers every time. With countless variations and serving options, it’s a recipe you can make your own, ensuring it never gets old.
Other delicious chicken recipes to try:
