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Maple Apple Dijon Chicken Skillet

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This easy 30-minute skillet dinner features juicy chicken breasts, caramelized apples, and a sweet-tangy maple Dijon sauce. It’s a cozy, one-pan fall meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium apples, sliced into wedges (Honeycrisp or Fuji preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season all over with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let them sit at room temperature while you prep the other ingredients (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken to a plate (they won’t be cooked through yet).
  3. Add the sliced apples and onions to the same skillet (add a splash more oil if needed). Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples just start to soften and onions are turning golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Return the chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Scatter fresh thyme over everything. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chicken once, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). If desired, swirl in butter at the end for a glossy sauce.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes in the skillet. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of flaky salt if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken—work in batches if needed. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash more broth. For a dairy-free version, omit the butter. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple apple chicken, fall skillet dinner, one pan chicken, maple dijon chicken, easy chicken recipe, autumn dinner, gluten-free chicken, apple chicken skillet

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/maple-apple-dijon-chicken-skillet-easy-30-minute-fall-dinner-recipe/