Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 medium, about 1.5 lbs)
- Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup)
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons)
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- Medium apples (2, cored, peeled, and sliced)
- Yellow onion (1 small, thinly sliced)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and black pepper (1 teaspoon each)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned; remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Add the sliced onions and apples to the same skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, until the onions are softened and the apples begin to caramelize slightly.
- Step 3: While the apples and onions cook, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create the sauce mixture.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the apples and onions, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nesting them into the sauce.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has slightly thickened. Serve immediately, spooning the apple maple sauce generously over the chicken.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days; store the chicken fully coated in the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
- For the best results, reheat individual portions in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through, adding a splash of water or cider if the sauce seems too thick.
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice to soak up the luxurious sauce, or balance the richness with a crisp side of sautéed green beans.
- Do not skip scraping the browned bits (fond) from the pan when sautéing the apples and onions, as this step is essential for developing the deep, savory complexity in the final sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American