Easy

Apple Chicken Chicken With Apples

Name: Apple Chicken Chicken With Apples
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 680 g boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 medium McIntosh apples, cored and sliced into wedges; 125 ml dry apple cider; 3 tbsp pure maple syrup; 2 tbsp grainy Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

35 min4392 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Apple Chicken Chicken With Apples recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

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Ingredients

Servings:

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Caramelize Apples First

“Sauté the apple wedges in the dry cider until they just start to brown before adding the chicken; the caramelized fruit adds depth and prevents the apples from turning mushy while the thighs finish cooking in the maple‑mustard glaze.”

About This Recipe

This Apple Chicken Chicken With Apples is a celebration of sweet and savory that warms the heart and delights the palate. With tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy cheese blend and punctuated by the bright notes of fresh apples, it’s an inviting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Canadian home cooks cherish this recipe for its ease and consistency, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. The combination of garlic and Italian seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and apples, creating a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy dinner at home, this dish delivers every time. It’s quick to prepare, requiring only 10 minutes of prep, and the baking process fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The gooey, melted cheese creates a delightful texture, while the apples offer a slight crunch and sweetness that balances the richness of the cream cheese. You’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!

Tips for the Best Apple Chicken Chicken With Apples

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, ensure your breasts are of uniform thickness. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them if needed, which helps them cook evenly. Aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to guarantee doneness without drying out. Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts; you want it bubbly and golden without burning. Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What to Serve With It

For a truly Canadian experience, serve your Apple Chicken Chicken With Apples alongside a fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, and perhaps some roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. A side of buttery mashed potatoes or wild rice can also complement the creamy texture of the dish, soaking up the delicious flavors. Don’t forget to pour a glass of crisp apple cider to enhance those fruity notes!

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to maintain moisture and prevent dryness; a gentle reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) works best. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

392

Calories

29g

Protein

15g

Fat

34g

Carbs

Fiber6g

Sugar5g

Sodium723mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?+

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and a richer flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Aim for the same internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

What kind of cheese blend should I use?+

A blend of mozzarella and cheddar works beautifully in this recipe, providing both creaminess and flavor. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?+

Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms would blend nicely with the flavors. Just ensure they are pre-cooked slightly before adding them to the baking dish to maintain the right texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?+

If you want a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also add depth and heat to the flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?+

Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:

10 min

Cook:

25 min

Total:

35 min

Servings:

Difficulty:

Easy

Pro Tips

1Use McIntosh or Cortland apples that soften slightly when cooked but still retain some texture for the best results.
2Deglaze the pan thoroughly when adding cider to capture all the flavorful fond from searing the chicken.
3Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts in this braising method and absorb the maple-cider sauce beautifully.
4Serve over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce.

Variations

Add 60ml of heavy cream in the last 2 minutes for a richer, creamier sauce with a silkier texture.
Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts and increase braising time by 5 minutes.
Use pear cider instead of apple cider and add a sprig of fresh sage for an herbal twist.

Cheesy Chicken