Description
This Apple Orchard Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs seasoned with aromatic spices and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. The dish is elevated by a luscious caramelized apple and lemon sauce, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Garnished with fresh thyme and lemon slices, this simple yet elegant meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Apples
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 medium lemons, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored, sliced into ½-inch slices
- 1 medium lemon, sliced for garnish
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Evenly season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside to let the spices meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken, place on a plate, and tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Prepare the Apple Sauce: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar and fresh lemon juice, mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved and you scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan.
- Cook the Apples: Add the sliced Honeycrisp apples to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are slightly caramelized and softened, but still retain their shape to provide a pleasing texture contrast.
- Combine Chicken and Apples: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet with the apples and sauce. Turn the chicken pieces gently to coat them thoroughly with the caramelized apple sauce, allowing flavors to meld together for a minute or two.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken and apples to serving plates. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon slices to add a fresh, aromatic note. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Apple Orchard Chicken.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp or another firm apple variety to ensure the slices hold their shape without turning mushy.
- Adjust seasoning and chili powder based on your preferred spice level.
- To ensure even cooking, use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- For a thicker sauce, let the apple mixture cook a little longer before adding the chicken back.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
