Description
Apple Cider Smothered Chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy apple cider sauce, topped with melted Gruyère cheese and crispy prosciutto. Infused with fresh herbs and caramelized onions, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors ideal for a cozy fall dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds thin-cut chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 3 ounces prosciutto
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 yellow onion, sliced or chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, cut into wedges
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 – 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 425° F. Season the thin-cut chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Dredge each chicken breast through this seasoned flour mixture, tossing to fully coat.
- Crisp the Prosciutto: Place the prosciutto slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook them until they become crispy on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the crispy prosciutto from the skillet and set aside for garnishing later.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the floured chicken breasts and sear them, cooking about 3-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Add an additional tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it brown around the chicken for about 2 minutes to develop a nutty flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: Add the sliced or chopped onions to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until they turn golden and soften. Then add 2 tablespoons of butter, chopped garlic, fresh thyme leaves, fresh sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the onions to caramelize fully and the herbs to infuse their aroma.
- Simmer with Apple Cider and Cream: Pour in the apple cider and let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. Next, stir in the heavy cream and mix gently to combine. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet along with the apple wedges, distributing them evenly.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the chicken and apples in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and top the chicken with the crispy prosciutto and additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the luscious creamy apple cider sauce. Enjoy your cozy, flavorful meal!
Notes
- This recipe is a quick and easy 40-minute meal perfect for cozy fall dinners.
- Using thin-cut chicken breasts speeds up cooking and ensures tenderness.
- The prosciutto adds a crispy, salty contrast that elevates the dish.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream depending on your desired sauce richness.
- Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a hearty accompaniment.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
