Description
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
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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¾ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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2 apples, sliced (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
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½ cup chicken broth
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¾ cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
