Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce Recipe

Published: October 15, 2025

by marie

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved a dish that dances on your palate, offering a delightful combination of sweet and savory? Enter Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan—a culinary masterpiece that brings together tender chicken, crisp apples, and a creamy cider mustard sauce in one convenient dish. This meal not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of autumn.

This recipe has a special place in my heart, evoking memories of cozy family dinners during chilly evenings. I remember preparing this dish for the first time while hosting friends for a fall gathering. The vibrant colors of the apples and the rich sauce created an inviting atmosphere that sparked joy and conversation around the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish promises a remarkable flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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: I usually use 3-4 chicken breasts, which are perfect for absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Fresh Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
Onion: A medium onion adds depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the dish’s aroma and provide essential flavor.
Cider Vinegar: Use a good-quality cider vinegar to create a tangy base for your sauce.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient adds a zesty kick that complements the chicken beautifully.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps to keep the dish flavorful without being overly salty.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing, as it enhances flavor while keeping everything moist.

For the Sauce:

Honey: A touch of honey balances out the acidity from the vinegar and mustard perfectly.

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: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat.

Second Step: Sauté Chicken

Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Third Step: Add Onions and Garlic

Remove the chicken temporarily from the skillet. In the same pan, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Fourth Step: Incorporate Apples

Now add sliced apples to the pan with onions and garlic. Stir them together for about another minute until everything is well combined.

Fifth Step: Prepare Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken and apples in the skillet.

Sixth Step: Bake

Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips

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

Choose Quality Ingredients: Selecting fresh produce will greatly enhance flavor; look for seasonal apples.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify honey levels based on your preference for sweetness—taste as you go!
Use Leftovers Creatively: Any leftover chicken can be shredded into salads or sandwiches for a quick meal.

Enjoy making this mouthwatering Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan! Each bite promises an explosion of flavor that everyone will love.

Cooking Instructions

To prepare the Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan, start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet skin-side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pan, add sliced apples and onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Next, deglaze the pan with apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Dijon mustard, and return the chicken to the pan. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Finish your dish by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance taste.

Presentation Ideas

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

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent side that complements the sauce perfectly.
Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch, balancing out the flavors of the dish.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can provide a refreshing contrast to this rich dish.

FAQs

What makes Zesty Savor Apple Chicken special?

Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce is unique due to its blend of savory chicken and sweet apples. The combination creates a delightful balance of flavors that excites your palate. The cider mustard sauce adds depth and richness while keeping the dish light enough for any season. This one-pan recipe simplifies cooking without sacrificing taste or presentation.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute it with pork chops or turkey breast. Adjust cooking times accordingly; pork may need slightly longer due to its thickness. The cider mustard sauce will complement these meats just as well, ensuring you enjoy a similar zesty flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers from Zesty Savor Apple Chicken?

To store leftovers safely, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or on a stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cider if needed to retain moisture. Enjoying this dish as leftovers can be just as satisfying!

Can I make Zesty Savor Apple Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Zesty Savor Apple Chicken in advance by cooking it fully and storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days or can be frozen for longer storage. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on low heat until warmed through to maintain its flavors and tenderness.

Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce in One Pan

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Author: marie
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Zesty Savor Apple Chicken with Cider Mustard Sauce is a one-pan wonder that perfectly melds the flavors of tender chicken and crisp apples in a creamy, tangy sauce. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also evokes the warmth of autumnal gatherings, making it ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions. With vibrant colors and rich aromas, Zesty Savor Apple Chicken is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in the skillet for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add onions and garlic; sauté until translucent (3-4 minutes).
Add sliced apples to the pan and stir for another minute.
Whisk together cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and chicken broth in a bowl. Pour over the chicken and apples in the skillet.
Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 7 oz)
Calories: 310
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

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