Chicken With Apples
A hearty chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a flavorful apple cider sauce with fresh apples and vegetables, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 6 bone-in chicken breast halves, skinned (about 3 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, scrubbed and sliced ⓘ
- 1 large rib celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2/3 cup apple cider or juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup defatted chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon diced rosemary ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 3 Winesap or Empire apples (about 1 1/4 lb.), halved, cored, and cut into thin slices or wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a gallon-size food storage bag. Add chicken and shake until coated.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken; cook 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until well browned. Remove to a plate.
- Add onion, celery, and carrot to the drippings in the skillet.
- Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring several times.
- Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the reserved flour mixture and cook 3 minutes longer.
- Stir in cider, broth, rosemary, and garlic.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is done.
- Remove chicken to a serving platter and cover loosely with foil.
- Process the liquid and vegetables in a blender until smooth.
- Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet; add apples.
- Cook over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove apples to the serving platter. Serve sauce separately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce. When selecting apples, Winesap or Empire apples are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, but feel free to use your favorite variety. Make sure to slice the apples thinly so they cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with a warm crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a potato dish like a creamy mashed potato or a Chicken And Potato Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent drying out. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just reheat gently from frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Apples contains roughly 425 calories, with 9g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1842mg per serving (80% 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 boneless chicken breasts instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time. Cook them for 15-20 minutes instead of 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness to avoid overcooking. The sauce will still be delicious, and the dish will be slightly lighter without the skin and bones.
What can I substitute for apple cider?
If you don't have apple cider, you can use apple juice or a mixture of apple juice and a bit of vinegar to mimic the acidity. Alternatively, a splash of white wine can also enhance the flavors of the dish. Just ensure whatever you choose complements the sweetness of the apples.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point before adding the apples. Store the chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and then add the apples, cooking until tender. This can save time on a busy weeknight or when entertaining guests.
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).