Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Apple Chicken strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. The caramelized apples and onions add a natural sweetness that compliments the grilled chicken, while the Dijon mustard and chicken broth create a tangy, flavourful sauce. Whether you’re a fan of rustic recipes or want to impress your dinner partner with something unique, this dish delivers on all fronts:

Flavorful and Balanced: Sweet apples, tangy mustard, and savory chicken come together in harmony.
Versatile: Perfect for any season, it feels cozy in winter and fresh in autumn.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, it’s achievable for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in creating its unique flavour profile:

Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts are used for their tenderness and ability to absorb the flavours of the sauce. You could also use bone in chicken, but we prefer boneless.
Apples: Sweet yet slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Gala work best to balance the savoury elements.
Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a tangy kick to the sauce.
Caramelized Onions: Sweet and golden, they enhance the richness of the dish. Learn how to Caramelised Onions under 20 minutes.
Chicken Broth: Serves as the base of the sauce, tying all the flavours together. You could use just water too. But we recommend broth for flavour.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Apple: Opt for a variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best flavor. Avoid overly soft apples, as they may turn mushy during baking.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: Smashed garlic infuses the butter used for grilling, enhancing the overall flavor.
Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to suit your personal taste. A little goes a long way!
Thicken the Sauce Correctly: Stirring in a butter-flour mixture ensures the sauce has a silky, creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Baked Apple Chicken with simple sides that let the dish shine:

Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Their smooth texture complements the caramelized apples and chicken.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh crunch to the meal.
Quinoa or Rice: For a lighter, gluten-free option.

For drinks, serve with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light apple cider to complement the dish’s flavors.

Assembled Baked Apple Chicken before baking

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

In the oven: Cover the dish with foil and warm at 180°C (356°F) until heated through.
On the stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Like this recipe? Here’s a few more –

Cherry & Orange Chicken

Grilled Chicken/Tofu in Mango Chili Sauce

Baked Apple Chicken

Recipe by thecrumbstoriesCuisine: ContinentalDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

This Baked Apple Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavours, perfect for a cozy meal for two.

Ingredients

For the Chicken
300g boneless chicken breasts, beaten and cut into 4–5 pieces
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
For Grilling
3 garlic pods, crushed
1 tbsp butter
For the Sauce
1 tbsp butter
1 apple, sliced
5 small onions, sliced
2 cups chicken broth
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey (adjust to taste)
Grated cheese (for creaminess), optional
2 tbsp flour mixed with 1 tbsp butter, for thickening
For Assembly
1 apple, sliced thick
3–4 strands fresh thyme

Directions

Marinate the Chicken – Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
Grill the Chicken – Heat butter in a skillet. Add the smashed garlic pods to infuse the butter. Place the chicken in the skillet and grill it until both sides turn lightly brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Make the Sauce – Melt butter in the same skillet as the grilled chicken. Toss in the sliced apple and onions. Sauté them on low heat until they caramelize and turn golden. Take out the caramelized apple and onions and set them aside. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and whisk in the Dijon mustard and honey. If using, grate cheese into the sauce for extra creaminess. Stir in the butter-flour mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook the sauce until it becomes smooth.
Assemble – Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Layer the grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and apple slices in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the layered ingredients. Add fresh apple slices and place thyme strands on top.
Bake – Bake the dish for 20 minutes. Let the flavours meld together as the sauce thickens and the chicken absorbs the caramelized goodness.

Notes

Serve the Apple Chicken hot with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Sprinkle extra thyme or grated cheese for garnish.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: Smashed garlic infuses the butter used for grilling, enhancing the overall flavor.
Thicken the Sauce Correctly: Stirring in a butter-flour mixture ensures the sauce has a silky, creamy consistency.

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