This Chicken Apple Skillet is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines seasoned chicken with the sweet, tangy notes of apples. To prepare, sear boneless chicken breasts or thighs until golden brown, locking in their natural juices. Next, add thinly sliced apples, such as Gala or Honeycrisp, which bring a sweet balance to the savory chicken. A sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the aroma and adds an earthy note to the dish.
Deglaze the skillet with chicken or vegetable stock and add garlic, honey and apple cider vinegar to create a light, flavorful sauce that ties the ingredients together. As the dish simmers, the sweet and savory flavors meld into a delicious harmony, with the apples softening just enough to complement the tender chicken.
Serve this chicken apple skillet over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a comforting, satisfying meal. With its simple preparation and perfectly balanced flavors, this dish makes an excellent choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special autumn meal.
How to make Chicken Apple Skillet
To start, cut your chicken breast into even ¾ inch or 2 cm strips, ensuring uniform size so they cook evenly.
Next, season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides and sprinkle with dried thyme or rosemary.
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is hot before adding the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken strips in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the chicken sears properly. Cook the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, allowing it to develop a golden brown crust while locking in the juices. You’ll know the chicken is ready to flip when it easily releases from the pan. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate.
How to prepare the apples and the sauce
In the same skillet, add your apple slices, making sure they’re spread out in an even layer to ensure proper caramelization. Cook the apples for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, turning them carefully once they soften and begin to brown.
I’ve used Gala apples for their natural sweetness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp apples or Granny Smith apples will be as good. Feel free to choose the variety that best suits your taste.
Next, stir in finely minced garlic and pour in your chicken or vegetable stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits that have stuck to the bottom. Add honey, butter and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld together. As it cooks, the sauce will reduce slightly, filling the kitchen with a delightful sweet and savory aroma.
Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken to the skillet, making sure each piece is tossed and coated in the flavorful mixture. Allow the chicken to warm through and absorb some of the sauce, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
For a final touch, garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme. Serve your chicken apple skillet alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
And there you have it, a simple yet flavorful Chicken Apple Skillet, perfect for any occasion. Hope you will try it out and enjoy it as much as we did. If you do, don’t forget to share the photos with me on Instagram. Would love to see how it turns out for you.
Other chicken recipes you may like to try
Try our quick and easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas with juicy seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, perfect for any weeknight.
For another easy dish try our simple and delicious Cashew Chicken with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce in under 30 minutes.
This classic Chicken Marsala recipe with tender chicken breasts in a rich, flavorful mushroom and Marsala wine sauce is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion.
For other dishes with chicken check our full collection of Chicken Recipes.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
Chicken Patties
Chicken Stir-Fry Noodles
Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad
Whole Roasted Chicken
Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken and Roasted Veggies
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Tikka Masala
Oven BBQ Chicken Wings
Toasted Orzo with Chicken
20 Delightful Chicken Recipes
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Baked Cornflake Crusted Chicken Strips
Garlic Butter Chicken
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Chicken Apple Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pound (600g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- dried thyme ,or rosemary
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium apples, Honeycrisp or Gala Apples, (about 10oz -300g) , cored and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 3 tbsp (45g) honey
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter
- fresh thyme or rosemary , for garnishing
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into ¾ inch (2cm) long strips. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme and rosemary.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4-6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-6 minutes until golden brown. Check if the chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate until you prepare the garlic honey sauce.
- Add the apple slices into the pan. If necessary add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the apples for about 3-5 minutes per side until soft.
- Add garlic, chicken or vegetable stock, honey, butter and apple cider vinegar.
- Cook for about 1 minute until simmers, butter is melted and garlic is fragrant.
- Transfer the chicken back into the skillet, and toss to coat with the garlic honey sauce.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @homecookingadventure on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookingadventure.