Description
This Chicken with Apples and Maple-Lime Sauce recipe features tender chicken cooked with sweet and tangy apples in a flavorful maple syrup and lime juice sauce. It’s a perfect dish that balances savory and fruity flavors, ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
For the Apples and Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the apples)
- 2 large red apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honey Crisp), thoroughly washed, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 medium lime, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh thyme (for topping)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken with paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Apples: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until they become soft and pliable. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the maple syrup and freshly squeezed lime juice to the skillet with the cooked apples. Stir to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the apples and maple-lime sauce. Gently reheat on low heat, stirring carefully to combine everything without breaking the chicken apart. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with additional maple syrup or lime juice if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with fresh thyme and garnish with fresh lime slices before serving to add extra aroma and a fresh citrus touch.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option.
- Select sweet and firm apples like Gala or Honeycrisp to maintain texture during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup and lime juice to balance sweetness and acidity to your preference.
- Fresh thyme is recommended for garnish, but rosemary or sage can be a good substitute.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
