Description
This Baked Apple Honey Dijon Chicken Breasts recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with a flavorful blend of spices, fresh apple slices, and a luscious apple honey dijon glaze. The dish combines sweet and savory notes, enhanced by smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cumin, making it an irresistible meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 large organic chicken breasts, bone-in (You can also use boneless chicken breasts; see Notes for cooking time adjustment)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 medium apple, sliced (You can leave the skin on; see Blog Post for best types of apples)
- 1 cup organic chicken stock
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 medium apple, sliced
- 1/4 cup organic chicken stock
Instructions
- Prep + Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a non-stick griddle pan or large oven-safe cast iron skillet. In a large bowl, combine the cleaned and rinsed chicken breasts with olive oil, sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until each chicken breast is fully coated with the seasoning.
- Make Slash Cuts in Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make small slit-like cuts about 1 inch apart on the top of each breast to allow flavors to penetrate. Repeat for all chicken breasts.
- Optional Marinating: For best flavor, place the coated chicken in a sealed ziplock bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. Before cooking, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Arrange Chicken and Apples for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts side by side in the prepared pan or skillet, leaving room between them. Insert sliced apples between and around the chicken. If using additional vegetables like potatoes or butternut squash, add them now to cook thoroughly during baking. Pour 1 cup of chicken stock around the ingredients in the pan.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through inside. Prepare the glaze during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Prepare Apple Honey Dijon Glaze: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine raw honey, dijon mustard, sliced apples, and 1/4 cup chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
- Glaze and Caramelize Chicken: Generously spoon the apple honey dijon glaze over the chicken and vegetables. Reserve a small amount of glaze for garnish if desired. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize nicely on the chicken.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Spoon any remaining glaze over the top. Serve with your favorite sides such as salad, pasta, basmati rice, brown rice, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious, flavorful meal!
Notes
- If using boneless chicken breasts, reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes and monitor closely to prevent drying out.
- For best apple flavor, use firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji that hold shape well during baking.
- You can add additional vegetables such as potatoes or butternut squash to the baking dish; adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
- Marinating the chicken for a longer time enhances flavor and tenderness but is optional if short on time.
- Allowing the chicken to rest at room temperature before baking promotes even cooking.
- Store any leftover glaze separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes + 15 minutes glazing time
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
