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Apple and honey-glazed chicken tenders with fresh garnishes.

Apple Honey Chicken

A delightful savory–sweet chicken dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious apple–honey glaze. This recipe pairs crisp apple slices with a tangy-sweet sauce, making it a perfect fall-inspired meal that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For searing and simmering the chicken.
  • Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: For slicing apples (and onions, if using).
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: To accurately measure liquids and seasonings.
  • Mixing Bowl: For combining marinade ingredients (optional).
  • Spatula or Tongs: For turning the chicken.
  • Meat Thermometer (Optional): To ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken & Seasonings:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Produce:
  • 1 large apple Granny Smith, Fuji, or your favorite, cored and thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Optional: A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried
  • For the Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or apple juice for a milder flavor
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken:
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  • Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Sear the Chicken:
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts.
  • Sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. (They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.)
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Sauté the Apples (and Onions):
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced apple (and onions, if using).
  • Sauté for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and dried or fresh herbs, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Create the Sauce:
  • Pour in the honey, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth.
  • Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Finish Cooking the Chicken:
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the apple sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover and simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to reduce further.
  • Serve:
  • Plate each chicken breast and spoon the warm apple-honey sauce and apple slices over the top.
  • Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
  • Enjoy with a side of rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course (Poultry)
  • Method: Pan-searing & Simmering
  • Cuisine: American / Fusion (with a fall twist)
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (adaptable for Paleo)
  • Keywords
  • chicken, apple, honey, savory-sweet, fall recipe, quick dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, healthy, poultry
  • Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
  • Serving Size: ~1 chicken breast with sauce and apple slices
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
  • Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Notes

Chicken Options: You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier alternative; adjust cooking times accordingly.
Apple Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties. Tart apples (like Granny Smith) provide a nice contrast to the honey, while sweeter apples (like Fuji) make for a milder glaze.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce reduce uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end.
Additional Flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an extra layer of complexity.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed greens, mashed potatoes, or a light grain such as quinoa.
Enjoy your Apple Honey Chicken as a balanced meal that’s bursting with seasonal flavors and a perfect mix of sweet and savory!
Keyword chicken, apple, honey, savory-sweet, fall recipe, quick dinner, one-pan meal, comfort food, healthy, poultry