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Maple Chicken Recipe

Maple Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 29 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add brightness: Just before serving, drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken if using, to add a fresh, bright note to the dish.
  7. 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

Keywords: maple chicken, apple chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner