Description
This delightful Chicken with Apples and Maple-Lime Sauce recipe combines tender chicken seasoned with warm spices and cooked to perfection, topped with soft, caramelized apples in a sweet and tangy maple-lime glaze. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that serves four in just 30 minutes.
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)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken with paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the pieces are well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Apples: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then the sliced apples. Cook the apples for about 5 minutes per side until they become soft and pliable. Remove from heat once softened.
- Make the Sauce: Add the maple syrup and freshly squeezed lime juice to the skillet with the cooked apples. Stir gently to combine the flavors and warm the sauce slightly.
- Assemble: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the apples and sauce. Gently reheat on low heat while stirring everything together to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more maple syrup or lime juice if desired.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates, topping with fresh thyme (optional) and garnish with fresh lime slices before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs, breasts, or tenderloins based on your preference—thighs will be juicier.
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honey Crisp.
- You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice if limes are not available.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for extra heat.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure all spices and maple syrup are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
