Skillet Chicken With Fruit
Juicy skillet chicken paired with sweet dried fruits and zesty lemon slices create a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large, nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and brown for about 6 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add 1/3 cup water to the skillet and stir to loosen and dissolve browned bits.
- Stir in dried fruit, lemon juice, and dried thyme.
- Place chicken over the fruit mixture and baste with the sauce.
- Arrange lemon slices over the chicken.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and fruit is tender.
- Remove lemon slices and place around the edge of a serving platter.
- Transfer chicken and fruit to the platter.
- Add 1/3 cup water to the skillet and bring to a boil for 1 minute, then pour over the chicken and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, try substituting the dried fruits with fresh ones like apples or berries, which can add a different texture and flavor. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut chicken pieces to speed up the cooking process. Additionally, using a mix of herbs like rosemary or sage can enhance the dish's flavor profile, making it a versatile option for Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy couscous or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the chicken and fruit. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, you might also explore complementary options like Chicken A La Shannon for a delightful variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and fruit mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Cover to retain moisture, and heat until warmed through, ensuring the chicken remains tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Chicken With Fruit contains roughly 242 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (104% of the Daily Value) and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1281mg per serving (56% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken will work, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through without drying out. Boneless pieces typically take less time to cook, so monitor closely to achieve the desired tenderness.
What type of dried fruits work best?
While this recipe calls for a mix of pears, prunes, apricots, apples, and peaches, feel free to customize based on your preference. Dried figs or cranberries can add a delightful twist, enhancing the dish's sweetness and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the oven. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making it a delicious option for meal prep.
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).