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Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet

Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet
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Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with sweet, crisp apples and a warm, smoky bourbon sauce. This comforting dish balances savory and sweet perfectly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Aromatics and Sauce

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or rosemary)

Seasonings

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside briefly.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Apples: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add chopped apples and cook until tender but still slightly crisp, approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Deglaze and Add Bourbon: Pour bourbon into the skillet carefully to deglaze, scraping up caramelized bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly and meld flavors.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in brown sugar and chicken broth. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the apples and sauce. Sprinkle fresh thyme over the top.
  5. Simmer and Finish: Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld. Remove the cover and cook a few additional minutes if you want the sauce thicker.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, firm apples to ensure they hold their shape and texture during cooking.
  • Don’t skip the deglazing step — scraping up the brown bits adds incredible depth to the sauce.
  • Measure bourbon carefully; use just enough to enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • Let the chicken rest briefly after searing to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for brighter, more complex flavors compared to dried herbs.
  • For gluten-free version, ensure chicken broth and all ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken skillet, bourbon chicken, apple chicken, quick dinner, one-pan meal, gluten free dinner

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/apple-bourbon-chicken-skillet/