Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce Recipe

Name: Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 2 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 cup apple cider; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste); 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme); Salt and pepper to taste

Published: October 2, 2025

by marie

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved a dish that tantalizes your taste buds while being quick and easy to prepare? Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan is the answer. Imagine the succulent flavors of tender chicken perfectly complemented by a tangy cider mustard sauce, creating an explosion of taste that dances on your palate. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together the sweetness of apples, the warmth of spices, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy family gatherings where laughter and delicious food filled the air. I can still remember the delight on my children’s faces as they savored each bite, eager for more. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend celebration, this dish always impresses. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your dining experience with every forkful!

Key Ingredients For Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal flavor and tenderness; adjust based on servings needed.
Fresh Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the savory elements.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; opt for firm cloves for the best flavor.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient provides a sharpness that brings out the flavors in the sauce.
Apple Cider: A key component for creating a rich and zesty sauce; look for fresh or unfiltered cider if possible.
Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile; low-sodium broth works best.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for searing the chicken to perfection.

For the Sauce:

Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance out the mustard’s sharpness; adjust based on your taste preference.
Thyme: Fresh thyme elevates the flavors with its earthy notes; dried thyme can be used but fresh is preferred.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping your apples into thin slices. This will ensure even cooking and maximum flavor release during preparation.

Second Step: Preheat Your Pan

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil once hot enough, allowing it to warm up before placing the chicken breasts into the pan.

Third Step: Cook The Chicken

Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Remove from pan and set aside.

Fourth Step: Make The Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced apples. Sauté for around 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, honey, and thyme; stir well to combine.

Fifth Step: Combine Everything

Return cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with sauce mixture. Simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.

Sixth Step: Serve It Up

Transfer everything onto plates, spooning extra sauce over each serving. Garnish with additional thyme if desired for an aromatic touch.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh produce will enhance your dish’s flavors significantly—don’t settle for less!
Let The Chicken Rest: Allowing cooked chicken to rest before slicing will keep it juicy.
Adjust Sweetness To Taste: Feel free to modify honey levels according to personal preference as everyone enjoys different sweetness levels.

Cooking Instructions

To create the Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken skin-side down and sear for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.

Next, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add diced onions and sauté until they are translucent. Then, add sliced apples and continue to cook until they soften slightly. Pour in the cider and mix in mustard; let it simmer for a few minutes to combine all the flavors.

Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it is nestled among the apples and onions. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This process allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan is ready, it’s time to serve! The dish looks stunning right in the skillet. Pair it with:

Mashed potatoes for a creamy texture that complements the sauce.
Steamed green beans add a pop of color and freshness.
Couscous or rice helps soak up that delightful cider mustard sauce.

Storage Tips

For any leftovers from your Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan, store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly if you plan to eat them within three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing portions for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on low heat on the stove or in an oven set at 350°F (175°C).

Presentation Ideas

This Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

A colorful salad dressed lightly can enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
Crusty bread serves as a great side for sopping up all that delicious sauce.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, adds both color and freshness when serving.

FAQs

What can I substitute for cider in this recipe?

If you don’t have apple cider on hand, consider using apple juice as a sweeter alternative. For a non-alcoholic option that still provides depth of flavor, mix equal parts apple juice and vinegar—like white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar—to mimic some acidity found in cider. Keep in mind that using apple juice will result in a sweeter dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce can be made ahead of time. Prepare everything as directed but stop before placing it into the oven. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve it, simply take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature before baking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This one-pan recipe is perfect for meal prepping due to its simple ingredients and easy reheating process. Divide leftovers into individual containers after cooking has cooled down completely. Enjoy this flavorful meal throughout your week by reheating portions whenever you need a quick lunch or dinner.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used instead of bone-in pieces if you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly as boneless chicken generally cooks faster than bone-in cuts—typically around 15-20 minutes at the same oven temperature should suffice depending on thickness. Just ensure that internal temperatures reach safe levels before serving!