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Delicious Maple-Garlic Chicken with Apples & Onions recipe photo

Maple-Garlic Chicken with Apples & Onions

This Maple-Garlic Chicken is a sweet and savory one-pan wonder with tender chicken, crisp apples, and caramelized onions. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing the chicken and sautéing the veggies
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and depth
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 apples cored and sliced, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
  • 1 large onion sliced, sweet onion preferred
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme fragrant herb
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar adds subtle tang and balances sweetness

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare Your Ingredients
  1. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Core and slice the apples into thin wedges, peel and slice the onion into rings or strips. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
Sauté Onions and Apples
  1. Reduce heat to medium and add sliced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add apple slices and continue sautéing for 3-4 minutes until apples are tender but still hold shape.
Make the Maple-Garlic Glaze
  1. Push apples and onions to the side of the pan and add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in maple syrup and apple cider vinegar, stirring and scraping up browned bits. Let glaze simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Finish Cooking
  1. Return chicken breasts to skillet, nestling among apples and onions. Spoon glaze over chicken and cook an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired. Pairs well with roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a light salad.

Notes

  • Choose crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to avoid mushy texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness and juiciness.
  • To make the glaze thicker, simmer a few extra minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.
  • For a lighter version, reduce maple syrup or substitute half with natural sweeteners and use cooking spray instead of oil.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months; reheat gently to preserve moisture.