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Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe

Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

This Autumn Harvest Chicken Skillet blends tender chicken breasts with the sweet and tangy flavors of apples and apple cider, enhanced by fresh thyme and caramelized onions. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish delivers a heartwarming taste of fall with a savory sauce that pairs beautifully over mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala)

Liquids and Herbs

  • 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Generously season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides to ensure optimal flavor.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook Onions: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften and become translucent, absorbing the skillet’s flavorful browned bits.
  4. Add Apples: Stir in the thinly sliced apples and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the apples are slightly tender but still retain some texture.
  5. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, integrating all the flavors into the sauce.
  6. Simmer with Thyme and Chicken: Add fresh thyme leaves, then return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly.
  7. Serve: Serve the chicken hot, spooning the apple and onion sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp or Gala apples for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Apple cider should be fresh and unsweetened for authentic flavor; avoid cider vinegar.
  • For extra richness, substitute butter for olive oil or a combination of both.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted autumn vegetables.
  • Optional: garnish with additional fresh thyme before serving for a fragrant finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Autumn chicken recipe, apple chicken skillet, fall dinner, quick chicken skillet, apple thyme chicken, cozy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/autumn-harvest-chicken-skillet-recipe/