Skillet Chicken with Apples and Onions
Tender, juicy chicken thighs seared to perfection and simmered in a savory-sweet sauce with crisp apples and caramelized onions. A comforting one-pan meal that's both healthy and delicious, with minimal added salt.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Season and sear the chicken
- b.Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together the black pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, cinnamon, and optional salt.
- c.Season the chicken thighs on all sides with the spice mixture.
- d.Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foaming.
- e.Carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- f.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the apples and onions
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- c.Cook the onion for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and started to caramelize.
- d.Add the sliced apples to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they are slightly tender but still hold their shape.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the sauce and simmer
- b.Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift any remaining bits from the bottom.
- c.Add the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- d.Return the seared chicken thighs (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and serve
- b.Uncover the skillet. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
- c.Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- d.Serve the chicken hot with the apple and onion sauce spooned over the top.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a firm apple variety like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice sweet-tart balance.
- 2For the best sear, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken and don't move the chicken for the first few minutes.
- 3This dish pairs beautifully with quinoa, brown rice, or roasted sweet potatoes to make it a complete meal.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side and reduce the final simmering time to 5-7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
dairy freeDairy free
Replace the unsalted butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
ketoKeto
For a low-carb version, replace the apples with sliced zucchini or bell peppers and ensure your chicken broth has no added sugar.
quickQuick
To save time, use pre-sliced onions and apples from the grocery store. You can also use chicken tenderloins which cook faster than thighs.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy
This recipe is specifically designed to be low in sodium, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and satiety.
Good Source of Fiber
Apples and onions are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. It's low in sodium, uses lean protein from chicken, and includes fiber and vitamins from the apples and onions. It's a well-balanced meal.