Chicken With Apple Cream Sauce
Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a flavorful apple cream sauce, featuring a hint of lemon and rosemary. The sweet-tart apple adds brightness, making this dish perfect for a cozy dinner that pairs beautifully with rice or couscous. A comforting yet elegant choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in hot vegetable oil until browned on each side.
- Add apple juice concentrate, lemon juice, and dried rosemary to the skillet.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until juices run clear.
- Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add chopped apple and whipping cream.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and stir into the sauce.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, then serve over chicken and rice or couscous.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in apple juice concentrate and rosemary for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have whipping cream, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich. For a healthier twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream for a tangy flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with Chicken El Rancho for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with the apple cream sauce drizzled over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous. Steamed green beans or a fresh salad make excellent side dishes to complement the rich flavors. For a complete meal experience, consider pairing it with a light white wine or sparkling cider.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of apple juice or water to the sauce to prevent it from thickening too much. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Apple Cream Sauce contains roughly 418 calories, with 22g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2075mg per serving (90% 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 a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or even bone-in chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook but will be more tender.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickening agent like arrowroot powder or use a gluten-free flour blend. Always double-check your apple juice concentrate to ensure it's gluten-free.
What can I substitute for apple juice concentrate?
If you don’t have apple juice concentrate, you can use unsweetened applesauce or even a mix of apple cider and a little sugar for sweetness. Just adjust the quantity to maintain the right balance of flavors in the sauce.
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).