Description
Experience the cozy flavors of autumn with this Apple Cider Smothered Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and enveloped in a velvety reduction of apple cider, heavy cream, and aromatic herbs. Enhanced with crisp Honeycrisp apples and a touch of savory Gruyère cheese, this one-pan dish offers a sophisticated, restaurant-quality experience that is both comforting and wholesome. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a delicious harmony of sweet, savory, and creamy notes that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds thin-cut chicken breasts
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove from skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and sauté the apple slices until slightly softened.
Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer until the cider reduces by half.
Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and sage, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan to coat in the sauce.
Sprinkle with Gruyère cheese and cover briefly until melted, then serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the apple cider is pure, unfiltered juice without alcohol content. Use a non-stick skillet for the best results with the sauce reduction. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg