Apple Cinnamon Baked Chicken

This cozy apple and cinnamon baked chicken is a sweet and savory solution for easy weeknight dinners Your kitchen will fill with the aroma of spiced apples and juicy chicken while everything bakes in one dish for minimal cleanup After discovering how tender the apples turn and how the cinnamon blends into the chicken this has become a go to family recipe whenever I have extra apples to use up

The first time I made this my kids could not believe apples and cinnamon could work with chicken Now it is a repeat request every fall

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless skinless ensures the quickest most even cooking Choose chicken with firm texture and no off smells for freshness
• Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp add tartness that balances the sweetness Select apples that are crisp and firm for best texture after baking
• Yellow onion: Brings sweet aromatic depth Go for onions with papery skins and no soft spots
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic sharpens the flavors and complements the spices Use firm cloves with smooth skins
• Low sodium chicken broth: Prevents the dish from becoming too salty while keeping the chicken moist Opt for store bought or homemade broth with a clean ingredient label
• Olive oil: Helps everything roast up golden Select extra virgin for the richest flavor
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents apples from turning brown Use freshly squeezed lemon for the best taste
• Ground cinnamon: The sweet backbone of the dish Choose high quality cinnamon for the boldest flavor
• Ground nutmeg: Lends warmth and complexity Look for freshly ground or whole nutmeg for bigger aroma
• Paprika: Adds mild heat and beautiful color Reach for vibrant red paprika
• Dried thyme: Brings an herby touch Pick dried leaves with good aroma not powdery or faded
• Salt and black pepper: Basics for seasoning Use freshly ground black pepper if possible
• Fresh parsley: Optional for a bright fresh garnish Go for vibrant green leaves

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius Prepare a large baking dish with a light coating of oil for nonstick results

Season Chicken:

Pat each chicken breast dry thoroughly with paper towels Sprinkle both sides with salt pepper paprika and half of your measured cinnamon ensuring even distribution

Prepare Apple Mixture:

In a mixing bowl combine sliced apples onions olive oil minced garlic remaining cinnamon nutmeg dried thyme and fresh lemon juice Toss together until the pieces are shiny and evenly coated with spices

Arrange in Baking Dish:

Lay seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish Spread the apple and onion mixture around and over the chicken making sure every piece is topped with flavor

Add Broth:

Carefully pour chicken broth into the baking dish pouring around the chicken not directly over the top to keep seasonings and texture intact

Bake Covered:

Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil Place in the oven and bake for twenty five minutes so the chicken steams and absorbs flavor

Finish Baking Uncovered:

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven Bake for another fifteen minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit or seventy four degrees Celsius and the apples are fork tender

Rest and Garnish:

Let the dish rest for five minutes after baking Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using to add bright flavor before serving

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The apples are my favorite part I love how they soak up the spices and chicken juices making every bite tender sweet and full of autumn flavor When I made this for Thanksgiving one year it was the first dish to disappear from the table

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The apples and chicken stay surprisingly moist when reheated Gently reheat covered in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have apples try using pears or even a mix of apples and pears for a twist You can add dried cranberries or a handful of raisins for extra sweetness If you can only find bone in chicken adjust the cooking time until the chicken registers as fully cooked

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken over creamy mashed potatoes steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal For a festive dinner it pairs especially well with wild rice and a green vegetable like sautéed green beans

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Cultural Context

Pairing fruit like apples with chicken is rooted in classic American comfort food and draws inspiration from French countryside cooking This dish honors those sweet savory traditions with a hint of modern convenience

Recipe FAQs

→ What types of apples work best for this dish?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal as they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.

→ Can I use other chicken cuts instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs can be substituted; just adjust cooking time as needed for doneness.

→ What side dishes complement this main course?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables all pair well, adding hearty textures and flavors.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free meals?

Yes, this meal naturally fits gluten-free and dairy-free diets. Always verify chicken broth for potential allergens.

→ How do I add extra flavor to the chicken?

Searing the chicken breasts briefly in a skillet before baking enhances flavor and locks in juices.

→ What wines complement this dish?

Both Chardonnay and a light Pinot Noir create a pleasant match with the sweet and savory notes.