Pin Apple and Cinnamon Baked Chicken brings together the best of cozy, savory, and sweet comfort foods. Tender chicken bakes with apples and cinnamon, blending into a bold and aromatic main dish that manages to feel both nourishing and special. This recipe has become my go-to when I need something satisfying but still a little out of the ordinary, filling the kitchen with the most inviting scent.
The first cold evening I made this dish, the aroma alone drew everyone to the table. Now it is one of our most requested main courses when apples are in season.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: provide the main protein and hold up beautifully to baking. Opt for even-sized pieces for consistent cooking
- Apples: such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give the dish signature sweet tartness and stay firm while baking
- Yellow onion: brings mellow sweetness once roasted and adds aromatic depth
- Garlic: infuses a warmly savory note that balances the apples
- Low sodium chicken broth: keeps the chicken juicy but allows you to control the saltiness
- Olive oil: helps everything roast evenly and brings richness
- Fresh lemon juice: brightens the flavors and prevents apples from browning
- Ground cinnamon: gives signature warmth and pairs with the apples for classic comfort
- Ground nutmeg: adds gentle background spice and complexity
- Paprika: imparts subtle color and a faint smoky edge. Choose quality paprika for best flavor
- Dried thyme: provides herbal backbone to connect all the flavors
- Salt: seasons everything. Taste your broth first and season accordingly
- Ground black pepper: for a subtle bite and to round out the savory notes
- Chopped fresh parsley: adds optional freshness and a pop of color to finish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and promote even cooking
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels so the seasonings stick well. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and half of the cinnamon so every bite is flavorful
- Mix the Apple and Onion Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, toss sliced apples and onions with olive oil, minced garlic, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and lemon juice. Mix well so the spices and oil coat evenly. This creates a sweet savory crown for the chicken
- Assemble the Dish:
- Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Scatter the spiced apple and onion mixture evenly over and around the chicken. Make sure each breast is topped so juices and flavors combine while roasting
- Add the Broth:
- Pour chicken broth into the baking dish, aiming for the sides and corners but not directly over the chicken. This step ensures the chicken stays moist without washing off the seasonings
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for twenty five minutes so the chicken steams gently and begins cooking through
- Finish Baking Uncovered:
- Remove the foil and return the dish to your oven for fifteen more minutes. The chicken will finish cooking, juices will thicken, and apples will become tender and lightly caramelized. Check that the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving. This helps juices redistribute for extra tenderness. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want brightness and a pop of color
Pin I absolutely love how cinnamon softens in the oven, filling the house with a homey, festive scent. My family always hovers around the oven waiting for this meal to finish baking and it disappears fast once served
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken and apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get richer overnight so leftovers are a treat. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of extra broth for juicy results
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap pears for apples if you prefer a milder sweetness. If fresh thyme is on hand, use it instead of dried. Bone-in chicken can be substituted but will add some baking time so check for doneness with a thermometer
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Steamed rice or roasted vegetables work wonderfully if you need something lighter. This dish also pairs well with a lightly chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Cultural and Historical Context
Sweet and savory meat dishes have long been part of American and European family tables. The apple and chicken pairing draws on colonial roots with a nod to classic autumn harvest flavors
Seasonal Adaptations
Use local apples in autumn for peak flavor Add a handful of dried cranberries for a festive holiday meal Swap in root vegetables like parsnip with the apples in winter
Success Stories
Friends have shared that even picky eaters go back for seconds. This dish works well for both casual dinners and special weekends. Once, I doubled the recipe for a family reunion and it was voted the tastiest main course of the season
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can assemble everything in a freezer safe dish then freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed adding a few extra minutes as needed
Pin Apple and cinnamon baked chicken is a true crowd-pleaser and so easy to adapt through the seasons. Try it once and you may add it to your comfort food rotation for good
Recipe Questions
- → What type of apples works best with baked chicken?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great choices, as their firmness holds up during baking while adding a pleasant sweet-tart flavor.
- → Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces also work well. Adjust the baking time, ensuring the chicken cooks through to 165°F/74°C.
- → How do I keep the chicken moist in the oven?
Covering with foil during the first bake step, plus adding chicken broth, helps lock in moisture and ensures tender results.
- → Are there suggested sides to pair with this dish?
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that complements the sweet and savory flavors.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
You can assemble ahead, cover, and store in the fridge for several hours. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.
- → Is this meal suitable for special diets?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Always check labels on chicken broth for allergen safety if needed.