Introduction
As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal to celebrate the season. Enter the Cozy One-Pan Pumpkin Spice Chicken with Sweet Apples—an irresistible dish that marries savory and sweet flavors in a delightful way. This recipe not only captures the essence of fall with its aromatic pumpkin spice blend but also ensures an effortless clean-up thanks to the one-pan cooking method.
Juicy chicken breasts become the perfect canvas for the warm spices, while tender sweet apples add a touch of natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color to the dish. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply looking to savor a quiet night in, this recipe will envelop you in the warm, comforting embrace of autumnal flavors. So grab your favorite baking dish and let’s create a meal that will fill your home with the delightful scents of the season!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp pumpkin spice blend
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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- In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
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- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the pumpkin spice blend. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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- Add the sliced apples to the skillet and let them cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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- In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, maple syrup, and the remaining pumpkin spice blend. Stir until well combined.
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- Return the chicken to the skillet, then pour the pumpkin mixture over the chicken and apples, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
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- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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- Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a hearty protein base.
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup of canned or homemade pumpkin puree for that rich, warm flavor.
- Apple Cider: 1/2 cup of fresh apple cider to infuse sweetness and enhance the fall flavors.
- Apples: 2 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced for sweetness and texture.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, thinly sliced for added depth of flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced for aromatic goodness.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons to bring that signature fall seasoning to the dish.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing and adding richness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors.
- Fresh Sage or Thyme: A few sprigs, optional for garnish and added herby notes.
Baking Process
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken and apples cook evenly and helps to develop those lovely caramelized flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts or thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and pumpkin spice blend. This blend typically consists of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, capturing the essence of fall flavors.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This step infuses the oil with a burst of flavor that will coat your chicken.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Increase the heat to medium-high and lay the seasoned chicken pieces in the pan. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step not only adds color but also seals in the juices.
Step 5: Add the Pumpkin and Apples
Once the chicken is nicely browned, reduce the heat to medium. Gently nestle sliced sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) around the chicken in the pan. Pour in a cup of pure pumpkin puree, a splash of apple cider, and a sprinkle of additional pumpkin spice over the top. Use a wooden spoon to stir lightly, ensuring that the sweet flavors meld together.
Step 6: Bake in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the apples are tender, with a lovely caramelized edge.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley on top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of quinoa or a warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy your Cozy One-Pan Pumpkin Spice Chicken with Sweet Apples—perfect for those crisp autumn nights!
Serving Suggestions
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Crispy Sage Roasted Potatoes: Pair your pumpkin spice chicken with crispy roasted potatoes tossed in fresh sage for a delightful crunch and complementary earthy flavors.
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Simple Green Salad: A light salad topped with mixed greens, crunchy walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese will add a fresh and tangy contrast to the richness of the chicken.
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Quinoa or Rice: Serve the dish over a bed of fluffy quinoa or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives will elevate the presentation.
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Warm Bread Rolls: Soft and buttery dinner rolls or a slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the flavorful juices left on your plate.
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Spiced Cider: Complement your meal with a warm glass of spiced apple cider or a pumpkin-flavored beverage for an extra touch of autumn.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roast seasonal vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips alongside the chicken for a colorful and nutritious side.
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Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes would not only add a comforting element but also enhance the dish’s sweet and savory profile.
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Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on the plate can add a creamy tang that balances the sweet spices of the dish.
With these serving suggestions, you can create a warm and inviting meal that’s perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Conclusion
This Cozy One-Pan Pumpkin Spice Chicken with Sweet Apples is the perfect dish to embrace the flavors of fall while bringing warmth and comfort to your table. With the aromatic blend of spices and the natural sweetness of apples, each bite is a delightful reminder of autumn’s bounty. Not only is this recipe simple to whip up, but it also means less time spent on clean-up, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your cozy dining experience. Whether you serve it for a family gathering or a quiet night in, this meal promises to impress and satisfy. As the days grow cooler, let this dish warm your heart and home—happy cooking!
