Description
This Baked Chicken with Apples and Honey recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and savory apple and herb sauce. Perfectly browned on the stovetop then baked to juicy perfection in the oven, it offers a delicious balance of flavors with fresh herbs like thyme and sage, and natural sweetness from apple juice and honey.
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 2 skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 granny smith apples (cored and sliced)
Liquids and Sweeteners
- 3/4 cup apple juice (or apple cider)
- 1 tbsp honey
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp sage
- Pinch salt
- Pinch black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Use tongs to transfer them to an ovenproof dish or keep them in the skillet if it is oven-safe.
- Sauté Aromatics and Apples: Add remaining 0.5 tbsp olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in sliced granny smith apples and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Flavorings: Pour in 3/4 cup apple juice and 1 tbsp honey. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried), 1 tbsp sage, a pinch of salt, and optional black pepper. Cook the mixture for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Bake Chicken: Pour the apple and herb mixture over the browned chicken breasts. Loosely cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Serve warm with the apple and herb sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
- Use granny smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the honey sweetness.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme is a good substitute but use less as it is more concentrated.
- For extra crispness, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of baking.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
