Introduction: Can a Cozy, Fall-Inspired Chicken Dish Be Ready in Just 30 Minutes?
Craving a comforting yet quick meal that captures the essence of autumn? Spiced Chicken with Apples features pan-seared chicken breasts seasoned with warm spices, paired with roasted Gala apples and red onions, and served alongside garlicky sautéed Swiss chard. Rated 3.3/5 from 12 reviews, this easy recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a seasonal gathering. Ready to whip up this flavorful dish? Let’s dive in!
Overview: Why Spiced Chicken with Apples Shines
Spiced Chicken with Apples is loved for its warm, seasonal flavors, quick preparation, and balanced components. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 30 minutes active prep and cooking, totaling approximately 30 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires searing, roasting, and sautéing, suitable for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: The warm spices (allspice and turmeric) on tender chicken complement the sweet-tart apples and onions, while the earthy Swiss chard adds balance. Rated 3.3/5 by 12 reviewers, it serves 4, ideal for small families or cozy dinners.
Perfect with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a festive salad like spinach with apple and red onion for a complete fall meal.
Essential Ingredients
Spiced Chicken with Apples uses vibrant, seasonal ingredients for a flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
Chicken and Apples
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each): Tender, lean protein.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Adds warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric: Brings earthy, golden notes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasons to taste.
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil: For searing and sautéing.
- 2 Gala apples, cut into wedges: Provides sweet, juicy contrast.
- 1 red onion, sliced: Adds savory, slightly sweet depth.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the dish.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Forms a light, flavorful sauce.
Swiss Chard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic, savory depth.
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped (stems and leaves separated): Offers earthy, tender greens.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, perfect for pan-searing.
- Allspice and Turmeric: Create a warm, autumnal spice profile.
- Apples and Red Onion: Add sweet-tart and savory notes for balance.
- Swiss Chard: Provides an earthy, nutrient-rich side to complement the richness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Breasts: Swap with boneless chicken thighs (increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes) or tofu for vegetarian.
- Allspice: Replace with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
- Turmeric: Use ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or omit.
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or butter.
- Gala Apples: Substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or pears.
- Red Onion: Use yellow onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Lemon Juice: Replace with apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
- Chicken Broth: Swap with vegetable broth or water with a pinch of salt.
- Swiss Chard: Use kale, spinach, or collard greens (adjust cooking time).
- Garlic: Substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm broth is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or chili powder with the spices.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary to the apples.
- Vegetarian Spiced Dish: Replace chicken with 1 pound seared tofu or portobello mushrooms.
- Creamy Chicken: Stir ¼ cup heavy cream into the sauce after simmering.
- Nutty Chard: Add 2 tablespoons toasted almonds to the chard.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Spiced Chicken with Apples is a quick, two-skillet process that yields a vibrant, comforting dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, ½ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, 2 Gala apples, 1 red onion, 1 lemon, ½ cup chicken broth, 2 cloves garlic, 1 bunch Swiss chard.
- Cut apples into wedges; slice red onion; juice lemon; mince garlic; chop Swiss chard, separating stems and leaves.
Tip: Prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly; use a sharp knife for even apple wedges.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
- Season 4 chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken; cook until browned, 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Tip: Ensure skillet is hot for a good sear; don’t overcrowd to maintain browning.
Step 3: Cook Apples and Onions
- In the same skillet, add 2 Gala apple wedges, 1 sliced red onion, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
- Add juice of 1 lemon; cook, scraping up browned bits, for 30 seconds.
- Add ½ cup chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Arrange chicken on top of apple mixture; cover and cook until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and sauce is slightly reduced, 6-9 minutes.
Tip: Stir apples gently to avoid breaking; check chicken at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Cook Swiss Chard
- In a separate large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves; cook, stirring, until golden, about 30 seconds.
- Add Swiss chard stems and season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add chard leaves; cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Tip: Cook stems first for even texture; don’t burn garlic to avoid bitterness.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve chicken topped with apple-onion mixture and sauce, about 1 breast with ½ cup apples and sauce per serving.
- Plate Swiss chard alongside, about ¾ cup per serving.
Tip: Spoon extra sauce over chicken for maximum flavor; serve hot for best texture.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Spiced Chicken with Apples
Making Spiced Chicken with Apples is all about creating a balanced, fall-inspired dish. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Chicken: Tender, spiced breasts with a golden sear.
- Apples and Onions: Sweet-tart and savory, with a light sauce.
- Swiss Chard: Earthy, garlicky greens for balance.
- Presentation: Colorful and rustic, served with chicken nestled in apples and chard on the side.
Presentation Tips
- Serve on plates with chicken topped with apples and sauce, chard arranged beside.
- Pair with cozy sides like mashed potatoes or a spinach salad with apple and red onion for a festive spread.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of allspice for flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Spiced Chicken with Apples is great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Storage:
- Store chicken, apples, and chard separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze chicken and apples for up to 2 months; chard may soften, so freeze separately if needed.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep apples, onions, and chard up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Season chicken up to 1 day ahead; cook fresh for best texture.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken and apples in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, 5-7 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot. Reheat chard in a skillet or microwave.
- Tip: Store garnishes separately; add fresh lemon juice after reheating for brightness.
Recipe Variations
Spiced Chicken with Apples is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm broth is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Spiced Dish: Replace chicken with 1 pound seared tofu or tempeh.
- Creamy Chicken: Stir ¼ cup heavy cream into the sauce after simmering.
- Kale Swap: Use kale instead of Swiss chard for a heartier green.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal (varies with portion size and chicken size).
- Protein: High, from chicken.
- Fat: Moderate, from olive oil.
- Carbs: Moderate, from apples and onions.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Warm, Fall-Inspired Bliss!
Spiced Chicken with Apples is the ultimate quick and comforting meal, blending spiced chicken with sweet apples and onions, balanced by earthy Swiss chard. Rated 3.3/5 by 12 reviewers, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, fall gatherings, or meal prep. So, fire up your skillets, sear that chicken, and enjoy a taste of autumn. We’d love to hear how your dish turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
Print
Spiced Chicken with Apples
Description
Craving a comforting yet quick meal that captures the essence of autumn? Spiced Chicken with Apples features pan-seared chicken breasts seasoned with warm spices, paired with roasted Gala apples and red onions, and served alongside garlicky sautéed Swiss chard
Ingredients
Chicken and Apples
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each): Tender, lean protein.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Adds warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric: Brings earthy, golden notes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasons to taste.
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil: For searing and sautéing.
- 2 Gala apples, cut into wedges: Provides sweet, juicy contrast.
- 1 red onion, sliced: Adds savory, slightly sweet depth.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brightens the dish.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Forms a light, flavorful sauce.
Swiss Chard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic, savory depth.
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped (stems and leaves separated): Offers earthy, tender greens.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, perfect for pan-searing.
- Allspice and Turmeric: Create a warm, autumnal spice profile.
- Apples and Red Onion: Add sweet-tart and savory notes for balance.
- Swiss Chard: Provides an earthy, nutrient-rich side to complement the richness.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Breasts: Swap with boneless chicken thighs (increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes) or tofu for vegetarian.
- Allspice: Replace with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
- Turmeric: Use ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or omit.
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or butter.
- Gala Apples: Substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or pears.
- Red Onion: Use yellow onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Lemon Juice: Replace with apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
- Chicken Broth: Swap with vegetable broth or water with a pinch of salt.
- Swiss Chard: Use kale, spinach, or collard greens (adjust cooking time).
- Garlic: Substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm broth is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or chili powder with the spices.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary to the apples.
- Vegetarian Spiced Dish: Replace chicken with 1 pound seared tofu or portobello mushrooms.
- Creamy Chicken: Stir ¼ cup heavy cream into the sauce after simmering.
- Nutty Chard: Add 2 tablespoons toasted almonds to the chard.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, ½ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, 2 Gala apples, 1 red onion, 1 lemon, ½ cup chicken broth, 2 cloves garlic, 1 bunch Swiss chard.
- Cut apples into wedges; slice red onion; juice lemon; mince garlic; chop Swiss chard, separating stems and leaves.
Tip: Prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly; use a sharp knife for even apple wedges.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
- Season 4 chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken; cook until browned, 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Tip: Ensure skillet is hot for a good sear; don’t overcrowd to maintain browning.
Step 3: Cook Apples and Onions
- In the same skillet, add 2 Gala apple wedges, 1 sliced red onion, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
- Add juice of 1 lemon; cook, scraping up browned bits, for 30 seconds.
- Add ½ cup chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Arrange chicken on top of apple mixture; cover and cook until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and sauce is slightly reduced, 6-9 minutes.
Tip: Stir apples gently to avoid breaking; check chicken at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Cook Swiss Chard
- In a separate large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves; cook, stirring, until golden, about 30 seconds.
- Add Swiss chard stems and season with salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add chard leaves; cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Tip: Cook stems first for even texture; don’t burn garlic to avoid bitterness.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve chicken topped with apple-onion mixture and sauce, about 1 breast with ½ cup apples and sauce per serving.
- Plate Swiss chard alongside, about ¾ cup per serving.
Tip: Spoon extra sauce over chicken for maximum flavor; serve hot for best texture
FAQs
1. Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking can cause this; check at 6 minutes during simmering (165°F/74°C).
2. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, use boneless thighs; increase simmering time by 2-3 minutes.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free; confirm broth is gluten-free.
4. Why are my apples mushy?
Overcooking or soft apples can cause this; use firm apples and check at 4 minutes.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Prep ingredients ahead; cook chicken and chard fresh for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Chicken provides protein; apples and chard offer fiber and vitamins (A, C, K); moderate in fat, pair with a salad for balance.