Apple Chicken Skillet: A Delicious & Easy One-Pan Recipe

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this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Apples and Onions:
• 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Chopped walnuts or pecans

Preparing the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, we need to get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet (cast iron works great, but any oven-safe skillet will do) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers.
4. Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. We’re not cooking them all the way through at this point, just getting a good sear on the outside. This will lock in the juices and add flavor.
5. Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet; we’ll finish cooking it later.

Cooking the Apples and Onions

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits from the chicken are flavor gold!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be nice and tender.
3. Add the Apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine.
4. Add Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples and onions. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
5. Cook the Apples: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still slightly firm, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want them to turn to mush. They should be nicely caramelized and have a beautiful golden-brown color.
6. Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. This will help deglaze the pan and create a delicious sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.

Bringing it All Together

1. Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the apples and onions.
2. Simmer or Bake (Option 1: Stovetop): If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
3. Simmer or Bake (Option 2: Oven): If your skillet *is* oven-safe, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Again, use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat (or oven). Let the chicken rest in the skillet for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with fresh parsley and chopped walnuts or pecans for added flavor and visual appeal.
2. Serve: Serve the Apple Chicken Skillet immediately. Spoon the apples and onions over the chicken breasts.
3. Side Dishes: This dish is delicious served with a side of rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad also complements it nicely.

Tips and Variations

• Apple Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. Granny Smith apples will add a tartness, while Braeburn or Pink Lady apples offer a good balance of sweet and tart.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the apple and onion mixture.
• Add Herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage would also be delicious additions to this dish. Add a sprig or two to the skillet while the apples and onions are cooking.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with this dish.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the apples and onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and add the apple mixture to the skillet.
• Skillet Size: A 12-inch skillet is ideal for this recipe, but a smaller skillet will work too. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is too small.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and prevent the chicken from browning properly. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the apple and onion mixture before adding the chicken back to the skillet and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or brown sugar to taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion:

This Apple Chicken Skillet is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it effortlessly combines sweet and savory flavors into a one-pan wonder that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken, perfectly softened apples, and a symphony of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting and satisfying, yet doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.

But the real magic lies in its versatility. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples offer a delightful sweetness, while Granny Smith apples provide a tangy counterpoint. You could even try a mix of both for a more complex flavor profile.

And the serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a complete and balanced meal, serve the Apple Chicken Skillet over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The grains will soak up all the delicious pan juices, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Alternatively, you could pair it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for a healthy and vibrant accompaniment.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. This will brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving will also add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

For a heartier meal, you could even add some diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash to the skillet along with the apples. This will not only add more nutrients but also create a more substantial and filling dish. And if you’re a fan of cheese, a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese over the top just before serving will add a tangy and creamy element that’s simply irresistible.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s completely customizable to your own personal preferences.

I truly encourage you to give this Apple Chicken Skillet a try. It’s a simple, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And once you’ve made it, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and what your family thought of it. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, or send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from my readers and learn about their culinary adventures. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you create!