Print

Apple Maple Chicken Recipe

4.2 from 41 reviews

Apple Maple Chicken is a delightful and hearty dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, then simmered with sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and rich maple syrup to create a luscious, flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make skillet recipe brings together savory and sweet elements, ideal for a comforting family dinner in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups apples, cored and sliced (about 2 medium apples)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional for added brightness)
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the skillet and season the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté the apples: In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften but still hold their shape.
  4. Add liquids and spices: Pour the maple syrup and chicken broth into the skillet with the apples. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and stir to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes to develop a flavorful sauce.
  5. Simmer chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and sauce. Cook everything together for an additional 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken to your desired consistency.
  6. Finish with lemon juice: Just before serving, if desired, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken to add brightness and a subtle tang to the dish.
  7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the Apple Maple Chicken with fresh thyme sprigs if you like, and serve warm on a serving platter or individual plates for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use sweet and crisp apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • The lemon juice is optional but helps balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: apple chicken recipe, maple chicken, skillet chicken, autumn recipes, sweet and savory chicken