You know, sometimes the best culinary surprises come from the most unexpected combinations. Picture this: juicy chicken mingling with the crisp, sweet tang of apples, creating a savory symphony that dances on your taste buds. It’s like autumn wrapped in a dish—comforting, warm, and just a little bit magical, much like that unexpected sweater weather we had last week.
Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced onions and ¼ teaspoon salt, cooking until they soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the apple slices to the pan and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the apple and onion mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Season the chicken with the remaining salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, then cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
- Return the apple-onion mixture to the skillet, add chicken stock and brown sugar, and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cover and cook on medium-low heat until the chicken reaches 160°F, approximately 8-12 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the cream into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve the chicken with the sauce poured over, garnishing with chives if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 medium sweet-crisp apples, cored and sliced into ½ inch thick pieces (such as Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6- to 8-ounce each)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- ? cup chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1560kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 138g | Fat: 78g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 42g | Cholesterol: 774mg | Sodium: 3006mg | Potassium: 2046mg | Fiber: 1.8g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1752IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, chicken thighs are recommended as they tend to remain juicier, while breasts may dry out slightly.
- What type of apples work best for this dish?
- Medium-sized, sweet crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn are ideal for this recipe as they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
- Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It will maintain the richness of the sauce without causing it to curdle.
- Can the apple cider vinegar be replaced with another ingredient?
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute. These alternatives will still provide a bright finish to the dish.
- What are some serving suggestions for this chicken and apple skillet?
- This dish is delicious when served with crusty bread, rice, or noodles to soak up the sauce. For a vegetable side, consider a green salad with apple cider vinaigrette.
Tips
- For a delightful twist, replace part of the chicken stock with apple cider to enhance the sweet and savory flavors of the dish. This substitution adds a unique depth to the sauce.
- When choosing apples, opt for medium-sized, sweet, and crisp varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. These types hold their shape well during cooking and complement the savory elements beautifully.
- Use chicken thighs for this recipe as they tend to remain juicy and flavorful. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, ensure they are boneless and skinless to prevent them from drying out.
- Don’t skip the addition of cream and apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking. The cream lends richness to the sauce, while the vinegar brightens the overall flavor, making the dish both comforting and refreshing.
Equipment
- 12-inch Skillet – A large skillet is essential for cooking all the ingredients together in one pan.
- Cutting Board – Useful for slicing apples and onions.
- Chef’s Knife – Important for chopping and slicing.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Mixing Bowls – Handy for setting aside ingredients like the apple and onion mixture.
