Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe—a perfect blend of savory chicken, tender apples, and a luscious bourbon cream sauce that’s just as comforting as it is impressive. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy enough to make any night but fancy enough to wow guests, full of warm flavors that make every bite pure happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor Combo: Sweet apples and smoky bourbon blend perfectly with tender chicken for an unforgettable taste.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s great for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup with all the magic happening in just one pan!
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily personalize it with your favorite herbs or cheese for your own twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create rich layers of flavor and a gorgeous array of textures—from crisp apples to creamy, cheesy sauce. Each one plays a crucial role in building the ultimate Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet experience.
- Unsalted butter: Adds buttery richness and helps sauté the onions and apples to golden perfection.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used in two parts to cook the chicken and veggies without overpowering them.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sweetness and a little zing that complements the apples brilliantly.
- Granny Smith apple: Tart, crisp, and thinly sliced, these apples give a fresh contrast and subtle acidity.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper: Essential to season every layer of this skillet dish just right.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thin to cook evenly and soak up that creamy bourbon sauce.
- Spicy mustard & paprika: These spices add a subtle kick and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Bourbon: The star liquid that brings warmth and complexity to the dish without overwhelming it.
- Low-sodium chicken stock: Helps create a rich base for the sauce while keeping balance.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Extra-sharp white cheddar: Finely shredded for that perfect cheesy finish that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): For a fragrant herbal touch that elevates the flavors.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is! Feel free to swap out ingredients or tweak the flavors so the dish feels uniquely your own—because cooking should always be fun and comfortable.
- Swap the Apples: Try sweet Gala or crisp Honeycrisp apples instead of Granny Smith for a different sweetness and texture.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it creamy without the dairy.
- Add More Herbs: Fresh rosemary or sage can bring a woodsy note that pairs beautifully with bourbon and apples.
- Use Different Cheese: Sharp Gouda or smoked cheddar offer a smoky twist that melds so well with this skillet meal.
How to Make Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Apples
Start by heating butter along with a bit of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat—this combo helps get a beautiful sear and rich flavor. Toss in the thinly sliced red onions and Granny Smith apples, seasoning with salt. Cook everything, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the apples turn lightly golden, about 6 minutes. This soft sweetness forms the foundation of your sauce’s flavor.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While the apples and onions get cozy, slice each chicken breast through the thickest part to make 6 thin cutlets—this helps them cook evenly and soak up more sauce later. Season each cutlet generously with salt and pepper. Then, heat the remaining olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken in batches, turning carefully until the exterior is golden and the inside is juicy and cooked fully through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Set the cooked chicken aside with your sautéed apples and onions.
Step 3: Build the Rich Bourbon Cream Sauce
Next, lower the heat to medium and add spicy mustard and paprika to the skillet, stirring quickly so they warm and combine without burning—just about 30 seconds. Pour in the bourbon and whisk to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken—it’s pure flavor gold! Cook until the bourbon reduces, thickens slightly, and the alcohol smell fades, about a minute. Then add chicken stock and let it simmer until reduced by half—this concentrates the taste and builds a wonderful base for the sauce.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Turn the heat down to medium-low, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, and allow the cheese to melt gently into the sauce as it thickens. Increase heat to medium and cook for a few more minutes while stirring occasionally to get that perfect creamy, slightly thickened consistency—this sauce is what truly makes the Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken, onions, and apples to your skillet and toss everything gently to coat with the luscious sauce. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors marry perfectly. Taste and adjust salt if needed. For a fresh herbal note, sprinkle thyme sprigs on top before serving—this little touch makes a big flavor difference!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Thinly Slice Chicken: Cutting the breasts into thin cutlets ensures quick, even cooking and a juicy outcome every time.
- Don’t Skip the Bourbon Reduction: Cooking off the alcohol fully enhances the depth of flavor without the bite of raw spirits.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: Aged extra-sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the apples.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches prevents steaming, helping you get that perfect golden crust.
How to Serve Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs on top add just the right hint of herbal earthiness to complement the rich sauce and sweet apples. For a little extra crunch and color, consider toasted pecans or sliced green onions—both elevate the dish’s texture and aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic noodles that soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad bring freshness and balance, making it a well-rounded meal that pleases everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken atop a bed of wild rice or quinoa to introduce an earthy nutty flavor that complements the richness. For a rustic touch, plate it in cast iron skillets right at the table—trust me, it looks inviting and keeps everything hot and cozy while you dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even tastier the next time you enjoy it.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to keep the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or chicken stock can help revive the sauce’s creamy texture if it feels too thick. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring a bit more fat and juiciness, which can make the dish even more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs are thicker and may need a couple more minutes to reach full doneness.
-
Is it necessary to use bourbon in this recipe?
Bourbon adds a unique warmth and depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice or non-alcoholic apple cider. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be milder but still delicious.
-
What can I do if I don’t have extra-sharp cheddar?
While extra-sharp cheddar is ideal for its tang and melt, you can use sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even Monterey Jack depending on what you have on hand. Each will add a slightly different but tasty twist to the creamy sauce.
-
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock and check that your spices and mustard don’t contain any gluten-containing additives.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about this Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe—it’s cozy yet sophisticated, easy yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a go-to dish you’ll love making over and over. So grab your skillet, get cooking, and enjoy every warm, cheesy, sweet bite!
PrintCreamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe
This Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet is a delightful one-pan recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and combined with sautéed onions and crisp Granny Smith apples. The dish is enhanced by a rich, creamy bourbon sauce infused with spicy mustard, paprika, and sharp white cheddar, making a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any night.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb. total)
- Freshly ground black or white pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp. spicy mustard
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz. finely shredded extra-sharp white cheddar (about 1 cup)
- Thyme sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Apples: In a 10″ skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced red onion and Granny Smith apple slices, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to wilt and the apples are softened and lightly golden, approximately 6 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice each chicken breast through the thickest side to create 6 thin cutlets. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black or white pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets in batches if necessary, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to the plate with the onions and apples.
- Make Bourbon Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the spicy mustard and paprika, stirring until warmed through, about 30 seconds. Pour in the bourbon, whisking and scraping the browned bits from the pan. Cook until the liquid reduces, thickens, and the alcohol aroma dissipates, about 1 minute. Add low-sodium chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Reduce the liquid by half, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded extra-sharp white cheddar until the cheese melts and the sauce reaches a gentle simmer. Increase heat back to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine and Warm Through: Return the chicken cutlets, sautéed onions, and apples to the skillet. Toss gently and cook until everything is warmed through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Garnish with thyme sprigs if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking times.
- If you prefer less alcohol flavor, ensure the bourbon sauce is cooked down until the alcohol smell disappears.
- Granny Smith apples add a nice tart contrast; other firm tart apples can be substituted.
- Serve with cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.
