Apple Maple Chicken Recipe is a delicious and easy meal to make at home. It is sweet, savory and full of flavor. The combination of fresh apples and maple syrup creates a rich, comforting taste.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. The chicken cooks tender and juicy while absorbing all the apple and maple flavors. You can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
In this blog, I will show you how to make Apple Maple Chicken, the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for the best results.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried Apple Maple Chicken on a chilly evening. I wanted something warm, flavorful, and easy. The apples added a natural sweetness while the maple syrup made it rich.
My family loved it, especially served with rice and steamed broccoli. I also liked that it was quick to prepare. The sauce is simple but so tasty. I often make it when I want a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It quickly became a favorite dinner recipe for us.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Apple Maple Chicken
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Frying pan or skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs
- Small saucepan (optional for sauce)
Ingredients You Need for Apple Maple Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large apple, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
- Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Sprinkle salt, pepper and cinnamon on both sides. Rub seasoning gently. - Heat the Pan
Add olive oil to a skillet. Heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking. - Cook the Chicken
Place chicken in the skillet. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. - Add Garlic and Apples
Add minced garlic and sliced apples around the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. - Pour Maple Syrup and Broth
Mix maple syrup and chicken broth. Pour evenly over chicken and apples. - Simmer the Dish
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and juicy. - Finish with Butter
Add butter to the pan. Stir lightly to create a rich, glossy sauce coating the chicken and apples. - Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips to Make the Best Apple Maple Chicken
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook chicken to keep it juicy.
- Use pure maple syrup, not imitation syrup.
- Let the sauce thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve immediately for maximum flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much heat and burning the sauce.
- Skipping seasoning on the chicken; it adds depth.
- Overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- Using soft, overripe apples; they become mushy.
- Forgetting to baste the chicken with sauce during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Maple Chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with green beans or a side salad. The sweet sauce complements savory sides perfectly.
Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken when serving for more flavor. A crusty bread is great to soak up any leftover maple sauce. This dish works for family dinners, meal prep or casual gatherings.
Variations You Can Try
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer taste.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess.
- Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans on top for crunch.
- Mix in dried cranberries for a sweet-tart twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through.
- Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep chicken tender.
- Sauce can be stored separately to prevent soggy apples.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Health Benefits
Apple Maple Chicken is a balanced and nutritious meal. Chicken provides lean protein, which supports muscle growth and repair. Apples add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting digestion.
Maple syrup offers natural sweetness with antioxidants. Cooking with olive oil adds healthy fats for heart health. Combined, this recipe gives a flavorful, wholesome and satisfying meal. It is lighter than fried chicken dishes but still comforting and delicious.
Apple Maple Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large apple sliced thin
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme optional
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry. Sprinkle salt, pepper and cinnamon on both sides. Rub seasoning gently.
Heat the Pan
- Add olive oil to a skillet. Heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Cook the Chicken
- Place chicken in the skillet. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
Add Garlic and Apples
- Add minced garlic and sliced apples around the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Pour Maple Syrup and Broth
- Mix maple syrup and chicken broth. Pour evenly over chicken and apples.
Simmer the Dish
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Finish with Butter
- Add butter to the pan. Stir lightly to create a rich, glossy sauce coating the chicken and apples.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook chicken to keep it juicy.
- Use pure maple syrup, not imitation syrup.
- Let the sauce thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve immediately for maximum flavor.
FAQs about Apple Maple Chicken
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents a watery sauce.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Cook similarly and allow sauce to absorb flavor.
Q3: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, mix maple syrup, chicken broth and seasonings ahead. Store in fridge for up to 2 days.
Q4: Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a mild kick.
Q5: What is the best apple type for this recipe?
Crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work best. They hold shape and add natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Apple Maple Chicken Recipe is a simple, sweet and savory dish anyone can make. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or special meals. Tender chicken, juicy apples and rich maple sauce make a delicious combination.
You now know how to make Apple Maple Chicken, the ingredients you need and tips to cook it perfectly. Try it today to enjoy a comforting, healthy and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!