Apple Chicken Recipe

I first created this apple chicken recipe because I was looking for a fresh take on classic weeknight chicken.

This creamy apple-sage stuffed chicken recipe turns simple chicken breasts into an impressive meal that fills your kitchen with the cozy scent of fall. We’re stuffing boneless chicken with a flavorful apple-sage filling and topping it all with a sweet and savory cider glaze. This guide simplifies the steps to ensure perfect results every time, making it one of my go-to easy dinner ideas for healthy family dinners. Get ready for a delicious new way to enjoy fall flavors in one hearty meal.

Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4): Pound each breast to 1.5 cm (1/2-inch) thickness to ensure even cooking and easier stuffing. Using boneless breasts makes this a quicker weeknight meal. A yield of 6-7 oz (180-200g) per breast is ideal for portion size.
• Honeycrisp or Fuji Apple (1 medium): The crispness and sweet-tart flavor of these varieties hold up well during cooking. Make sure to peel, core, and finely dice the apple for the filling to ensure proper texture and even distribution. A firm apple variety prevents mushiness in the stuffing.
• Cream Cheese (1/4 cup / 60g): Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling texture. Allow it to soften at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the filling. This binds the stuffing ingredients together and adds richness. (Swap note: If you don’t have cream cheese, use softened Boursin cheese for extra savory flavor.)
• Fresh Sage (3 tablespoons chopped + leaves for garnish): Fresh sage provides a warm, autumnal flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and chicken. Dried sage can be used in a pinch (use 1/3 less), but fresh is highly recommended for the best flavor.
• Shallot and Garlic (1 small shallot, 2 cloves garlic): Mince both finely so they cook quickly and integrate seamlessly into the filling. Sautéing them with the apple first softens their harsh edge and brings out their natural sweetness. This creates the aromatic base for the stuffing.
• Apple Cider (1 cup / 240ml): Unsweetened apple cider is essential for developing the deep, autumnal flavor of the glaze. Avoid using sparkling apple cider, as it will affect the consistency of the sauce. This reduces down to create a concentrated flavor base for the sauce.
• Vegetable Broth (1/2 cup / 120ml): Use a good quality low-sodium broth to avoid over-salting the dish. This adds volume and liquid to the sauce as it reduces and thickens. (Swap note: This can be swapped for chicken broth if preferred.)
• Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): The acidity of Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of the cream cheese filling and balances the sweetness of the apple cider glaze. It adds complexity to the sauce without being overpowering. Use a high-quality Dijon for best results.
• Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): This adds a touch more sweetness and body to the cider glaze. Adjust based on the sweetness of your apple cider and personal preference. You can omit this entirely if you prefer a less sweet glaze.
• Cornstarch Slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water): This slurry is used to quickly thicken the cider glaze at the end. Make sure to mix it thoroughly with cold water before adding to the hot pan to avoid lumps. Whisk constantly once added to ensure a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Seasonings and Oil: Fine sea salt (1/2 tsp divided), freshly ground black pepper (1/4 tsp divided), and vegetable oil (2 tablespoons divided) are used for seasoning and searing. Ensure proper seasoning at each step for maximum flavor development.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

Here’s how to execute this impressive apple chicken recipe, from start to finish:

1. Prep the Chicken Breasts: Pound each boneless, skinless breast to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin, ensuring uniform cooking. Season both sides of the pounded chicken generously with salt and pepper (1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper divided). Set aside on a plate while you prepare the filling.
2. Create the Apple-Sage Filling: In a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced apple and minced shallot in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, then remove from heat. In a small bowl, combine the cooled apple mixture with the softened cream cheese, chopped sage, and remaining seasonings (1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper), mixing thoroughly.
3. Stuff the Chicken: Lay each pounded chicken breast flat and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared filling onto one end. Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to fully enclose the filling inside. If necessary, secure the seam with 1-2 toothpicks to ensure the filling stays in place during cooking.
4. Sear and Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts seam-side down for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internal temperature.
5. Rest and Glaze: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, carefully removing any toothpicks. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the chicken tender. While the chicken rests, make the sauce: add apple cider, vegetable broth, Dijon, and brown sugar (if using) to the skillet, scraping up the browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then thicken with the cornstarch slurry until glossy (about 1-2 minutes). If the glaze looks too thin after 2 minutes of simmering, whisk in a little more cornstarch slurry until desired thickness is reached.
6. Serve Beautifully: For an impressive presentation, slice the chicken breasts on the diagonal to reveal the creamy apple-sage filling. Arrange slices on plates and spoon a generous amount of the warm cider glaze over the top and around the edges. Garnish with fresh sage leaves for a final touch.

What to Serve with Stuffed Chicken

This savory-sweet apple chicken recipe pairs beautifully with side dishes that provide a crisp texture or a neutral base to soak up the creamy filling and cider glaze. Choose options that enhance the autumn theme without competing with the main dish’s rich flavors.

• Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Roast small potatoes with herbs like rosemary and thyme to create a hearty side that soaks up the extra cider glaze.
• Simple Steamed Green Beans: A light, crisp side provides color contrast and cuts through the richness of the stuffed chicken.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty, textured pilaf with toasted pecans or cranberries would complement the autumnal theme perfectly.

Apple Chicken Recipe Prep and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Preparation

You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts completely up to 12 hours ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the chicken, then tightly wrap each breast in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Do not sear until you are ready to cook, as this will help the filling stay contained and ensure the chicken doesn’t dry out during baking.

Leftover Storage

Store leftover cooked apple chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can be stored separately. Reheat gently in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 10 minutes to maintain moisture, or warm quickly in the microwave if desired.

Freezing Instructions

We do not recommend freezing the cooked stuffed chicken, as the creamy filling can change texture upon thawing and separate. It is better to prepare this fresh. The filling itself can be prepared ahead and frozen separately for future use, then thawed and mixed with cream cheese when ready to stuff.

FAQs for this Apple Chicken Recipe

Q: Can I make this with chicken thighs?

A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well in this apple chicken recipe, but they cook differently. Chicken thighs are naturally richer in flavor and tend to stay moist. They will need to bake for about 20-25 minutes in the oven, or until a minimum internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) is reached. Make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can. Since dried herbs are more concentrated, use about 1/3 of the amount called for fresh sage. For this recipe, that would be approximately 1 tablespoon dried sage instead of 3 tablespoons fresh.

Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

A: The key is careful preparation. First, pound the chicken breasts evenly thin. Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure the seam with one or two toothpicks and ensure the seam side is down when searing. The searing process will help lock in the filling before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have apple cider?

A: You can substitute the apple cider with an equal amount of unsweetened apple juice. If you are concerned about the sauce being too sweet, use half apple juice and half low-sodium chicken broth. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: Is it safe to use cream cheese in a stuffing that gets baked?

A: Yes, cream cheese is stable for baking in a filling. The important step here is to ensure your chicken reaches the minimum safe internal temperature (74°C / 165°F) to ensure both the chicken and the filling are fully cooked.

Q: How do I make sure my glaze doesn’t get lumpy when I add the cornstarch slurry?

A: Make sure to thoroughly mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid in the pan. Whisk constantly as you add the slurry to the simmering sauce until it thickens smoothly. I find whisking quickly when I add the slurry ensures a perfectly glossy finish for this apple chicken recipe every time.

Conclusion

This apple chicken recipe offers a comforting and sophisticated meal that brings seasonal flavors to life in a single pan. The combination of creamy stuffing and a savory-sweet glaze makes this dish a perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or easy entertaining. Save this delicious apple chicken recipe to your Pinterest board for quick access to a healthy, family-friendly meal idea.

Print