Apple Chicken
Apple Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with tart Granny Smith apples and a flavorful sauce, topped with melted Jarlsberg cheese. This comforting dish offers a delightful blend of savory and fruity flavors, perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests who enjoy a unique twist on classic poultry recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 lb. chicken breasts ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 large onion, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 3/4 cup unsweetened apple juice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dry sherry or cooking wine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley or parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme leaves ⓘ
- 3 large Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Jarlsberg cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with black pepper to taste.
- Spray a large skillet with vegetable cooking spray and brown the chicken well on both sides.
- Add sliced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3 minutes.
- Pour in apple juice and sherry, then add parsley and thyme; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add sliced apples; cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until chicken is tender.
- Blend cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce in the skillet. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Transfer the contents of the skillet into a broiler-proof casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Jarlsberg cheese over the top and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot, preferably with peas and carrots.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using a combination of different apple varieties, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for added flavor complexity. If you want to reduce calories, consider using low-fat cheese instead of Jarlsberg. Additionally, adding a bit of cinnamon to the apple mixture can enhance the dish's sweetness and aroma, echoing elements found in American recipes. Make sure to brown the chicken well for an extra depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed peas and carrots for a balanced meal. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple green salad. If you enjoy this flavor profile, you might like Ginger And Peach Chicken as another delicious chicken option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook, as it may dry out the chicken. Adding a splash of apple juice can help retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Chicken contains roughly 553 calories, with 51g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (179% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), and protein (102% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 462mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chicken instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Thighs may require an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time compared to breasts.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to step 7, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply continue with the final steps, adding cheese and broiling as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry on hand, cooking wine or even apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic version, use additional apple juice or chicken broth to maintain the flavor profile without the alcohol.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).