Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large apple (such as Gala or Fuji), cored and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced apples and red onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened slightly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions. Spoon some of the maple apple sauce over the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the sauce has thickened and caramelized around the chicken and apples.
- Remove from oven. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with wild rice, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple green salad. If using bone-in, skin-on chicken, extend searing time slightly and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Adjust apple variety based on your preference for sweetness or tartness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared & Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg