One-Pan Autumn Chicken Breast with Apples: A Flavorful Fall Feast
As the leaves turn golden and a crispness fills the air, our cravings naturally shift towards warm, comforting dishes that celebrate the flavors of autumn. Look no further than this delightful one-pan chicken breast recipe, where juicy, tender chicken meets sweet and tart apples, all roasted to perfection in a symphony of seasonal spices. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough for a weekend gathering.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken and Apples
* Effortless Elegance: One-pan meals are a lifesaver for busy cooks. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor? Yes, please!
* Autumnal Aromas: The combination of cinnamon, thyme, and apples roasting in the oven will fill your kitchen with the most inviting scents of the season.
* Balanced Flavors: The savory chicken is beautifully complemented by the sweet and tangy apples, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.
* Healthy and Wholesome: This recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
* Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking by using different types of apples, herbs, or vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and sliced
* 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional garnishes: fresh thyme sprigs, chopped parsley
Equipment
* Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring spoons and cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the oven. In a small bowl, combine the thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. Prepare the Apples and Onions: Core the apples and slice them into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Slice the onion into similar-sized slices.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. This step adds a beautiful color and extra flavor to the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Apples and Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced apples and onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the balsamic vinegar into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add a rich, complex flavor to the dish.
6. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the apples and onions evenly in the skillet. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the apple and onion mixture.
7. Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. The apples should be tender and slightly browned.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
* Choose the Right Apples: The best apples for this recipe are those that hold their shape well during cooking and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Braeburn apples are all excellent choices. Avoid apples that tend to get mushy when cooked, such as Red Delicious.
* Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken and apples from browning properly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
* Use a Meat Thermometer: The most accurate way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch any bones. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Let the Chicken Rest: Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast. Cover the skillet loosely with foil while the chicken rests.
* Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the apple and onion mixture before adding the chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or thyme.
Variations and Substitutions
* Different Types of Chicken: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The internal temperature of the chicken should still reach 165°F (74°C).
* Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as pears, cranberries, or figs. Pears pair particularly well with chicken and autumn spices.
* Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the skillet along with the apples and onions. Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots are all excellent choices. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables may take longer to cook than others.
* Different Herbs and Spices: Get creative with your herbs and spices! Rosemary, sage, and garlic powder are all delicious additions to this dish.
* Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dish before baking for added crunch and flavor.
* Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of your balsamic vinegar and other ingredients to ensure that they are also gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pan autumn chicken and apples is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
* Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to roasted chicken and apples.
* Roasted Vegetables: Roast some additional vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, to serve alongside the chicken.
* Quinoa or Rice: Quinoa or rice are both healthy and versatile side dishes that complement the flavors of this dish.
* Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and apples.
* Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
* Make Ahead: You can prepare the apples and onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also season the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* Storage: Store leftover chicken and apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This one-pan autumn chicken breast with apples is a delightful and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With its tender chicken, sweet and tangy apples, and warm spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
More Delicious One-Pan Recipes
If you love the convenience of one-pan meals, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:
* One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
* One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Bake
* One-Pan Roasted Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes
Enjoy your culinary journey this autumn!