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
Scale
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