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One-Pan Fall Chicken Dinner

This dish features chicken breasts cooked with roasted fall apples, caramelized onions, and herbs all in a single skillet. The ingredients develop a caramelized, tender texture with a flavorful, aromatic sauce by the end of cooking. The presentation is rustic and colorful, highlighting the seasonal ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 2 apples firm fall varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, cored and sliced
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet or large frying pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and cinnamon on both sides.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add the sliced onions to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized around 10 minutes, releasing a sweet aroma.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant and slightly golden.
  6. Add the sliced apples to the skillet, stirring well to coat them with juices and caramelized bits. Cook for about 5 minutes until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
  7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions. Let everything cook together for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme if desired.

Notes

For added richness, a splash of cider or white wine can be included during simmering. Using firm apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp helps them hold their shape throughout cooking.