Maple Chicken Recipe
Maple Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with sweet maple syrup and crisp apples, enhanced by warm cinnamon and a touch of savory chicken broth. This easy skillet recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Apple Maple Sauce
- 2 cups apples, cored and sliced (About 2 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (Optional for added brightness)
Garnish
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (Optional for garnish)
- Prepare and season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the apples: In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and develop a slight caramelization.
- Create the maple sauce: Pour in the maple syrup and chicken broth, then sprinkle the cinnamon over the mixture. Stir well and let the sauce bubble for around 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and sauce. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Add brightness: Just before serving, drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken if using, to add a fresh, bright note to the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- For a dairy-free and gluten-free meal, this recipe is naturally suitable.
- The optional lemon juice adds brightness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: maple chicken, apple chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner