This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, everyday ingredients. The sweetness of the apples complements the savory chicken beautifully, while the creamy sauce ties everything together.
It’s a one-skillet meal, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The dish feels elegant enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
You’ll also appreciate how versatile it is. It pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs salt black pepper garlic powder olive oil unsalted butter apples, sliced onion, thinly sliced garlic, minced fresh thyme chicken broth heavy cream Dijon mustard
Optional garnish: fresh parsley
Directions
Season the chicken on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and onion. Cook until slightly softened and lightly caramelized.
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
Add a splash of apple cider for extra depth of flavor.
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added color and nutrition.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Add a sprinkle of crispy cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Freezing is possible, but cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after thawing.
FAQs
What type of apples work best?
Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape well and provide great flavor balance.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the juices should run clear.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it in advance and gently reheat before serving.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through completely.
How do I thicken the sauce if needed?
Allow it to simmer longer or add a small cornstarch slurry to reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe sweet?
The apples add natural sweetness, but the savory sauce keeps the overall flavor balanced.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A small amount of grated Parmesan can enhance the richness of the sauce.
What herbs can I substitute for thyme?
Rosemary or sage are excellent alternatives that pair well with chicken and apples.
Conclusion
Creamy Skillet Chicken with Apples is a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together tender chicken, sweet apples, and a luscious cream sauce in one easy pan. Perfect for weeknights or special dinners, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
Creamy Skillet Chicken with Apples is a rich and comforting one-pan dinner featuring golden-seared chicken, tender caramelized apples, and a velvety Dijon cream sauce. This easy creamy chicken with apples recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in just 35 minutes. Ideal for cozy weeknight meals or elegant entertaining, this skillet chicken dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 apples, sliced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and set aside.
Cook the Apples and Onion: In the same skillet, add sliced apples and onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened and lightly caramelized.
Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer 5–7 minutes to blend flavors and finish thickening.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use firm apples to prevent them from becoming mushy.For deeper flavor, add a splash of apple cider while simmering the sauce.Chicken thighs provide a juicier, richer result.If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.A sprinkle of Parmesan can enhance the richness of the sauce.
