Apple Cinnamon Baked Chicken (Print)

Juicy chicken, baked with apples and cinnamon, mingles with onion and spices for a sweet-savory main dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Poultry

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)

→ Fruits

02 - 2 large apples, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

05 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnish

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and half of the ground cinnamon.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine sliced apples and onions with olive oil, minced garlic, remaining cinnamon, ground nutmeg, dried thyme, and fresh lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated.
04 - Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the apple and onion mixture over and around the chicken.
05 - Pour chicken broth into the dish around the chicken. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
07 - Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and apples are tender. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
08 - Allow chicken to rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Lightly sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly without overpowering
  • All ingredients are gluten-free and dairy-free naturally
  • Simple to assemble with only one pan and minimal prep
  • Family favorite for weeknights or fall gatherings
02 -
  • High protein and naturally low in carbs
  • Impresses with less than one hour of total effort
  • Great way to use autumn apples but delicious any time
03 -
  • Sear the chicken in a hot skillet before baking if you want a deeper golden crust
  • Select tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best flavor balance with the sweet cinnamon
  • Let the dish rest before slicing so every piece stays moist and tender

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