Jack's Apple Butter Chicken

Indulge in the sweet and savory harmony of Jack's Apple Butter Chicken, a comforting skillet meal that transforms everyday ingredients into a gourmet delight. Tender boneless chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich, velvety sauce made with apple butter, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist. Infused with warm cinnamon, garlic, and a hint of soy sauce, this dish captures the cozy essence of fall flavors in every bite. Ready in just 50 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it atop creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or fluffy rice, and garnish with fresh thyme for an elegant finishing touch. Whether you're craving a unique chicken recipe or a taste of seasonal comfort, this dish delivers both simplicity and sophistication.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free)
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down if using skin-on, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the apple butter, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, cinnamon, and an additional pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 6

Remove the lid and simmer the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly, if desired.

Step 7

Serve the chicken warm with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an added touch of freshness and aroma, if desired.

Step 8

Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1191.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1934.9

Total Fat 109.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 782.9mg	0%
Sodium 4318.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 73.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.3g	0%
Total Sugars 58.8g
Protein 160.2g	0%

Vitamin D 44.2IU	0%
Calcium 127.9mg	0%
Iron 7.0mg	0%
Potassium 1608.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.3%

Protein: 33.4%

Carbs: 15.4%