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Quick And Easy Apple Maple Chicken For Cozy Weeknight Dinners

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Quick and Easy Apple Maple Chicken is a cozy weeknight dish featuring tender chicken cooked with caramelized apples, maple syrup, and warm spices. The sweet and savory sauce makes it a comforting, flavorful meal that feels special yet comes together in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cups apples, cored and sliced (about 2 medium apples)

¼ cup maple syrup

½ cup chicken broth

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)

1 sprig fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  3. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add apple slices and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
  5. Stir in maple syrup, chicken broth, and cinnamon, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb flavors.
  8. Add lemon juice if desired, and garnish with thyme before serving.
  9. Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Use firm, slightly sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best flavor and texture.

Boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.

For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne.

To thicken sauce, simmer longer or mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry.

Add a knob of butter or a splash of cream for a richer glaze.

This dish freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

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