Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash Easy Recipe

Apple cider chicken with butternut squash is a perfect dish for fall, offering a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. This easy-to-make recipe brings together juicy chicken breasts, tender butternut squash, and a rich apple cider sauce for a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this dish will quickly become a fall favorite. Plus, with only 40 minutes of cooking time, it’s a hassle-free option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash

Apple cider chicken with butternut squash is the ultimate fall recipe. It’s quick, healthy, and loaded with seasonal flavors that everyone will love. The chicken is perfectly seared to create a crispy skin, while the butternut squash softens and absorbs the sweetness of the apple cider sauce. This one-pan meal is both satisfying and simple, making it the ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash

This recipe calls for fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a warm, comforting dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skin-on chicken breasts are perfect for a crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps in seasoning the chicken.
• Paprika: Brings a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt and pepper: The basics for seasoning the chicken.
• Butternut squash: Offers a soft, slightly sweet texture that pairs perfectly with the apple cider sauce.
• Apple: Adds a sweet and tart contrast to the savory ingredients.
• Fresh thyme: Complements the apple cider sauce with an aromatic, earthy flavor.
• Apple cider sauce: The key to the dish, made from apple cider, butter, mustard, brown sugar, and soy sauce.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, providing a juicier result.
• Maple syrup: If you don’t have brown sugar, maple syrup can be a great natural sweetener for the sauce.
• Sweet potatoes: Swap the butternut squash for sweet potatoes for a similar flavor profile with a slightly different texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat each chicken breast dry with a paper towel. This will help achieve a crispy skin when searing.
2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Once hot, place the chicken breasts skin side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown, then transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.
4. Make the apple cider sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add apple cider, butter, mustard, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and begins to simmer.
5. Add the chicken back: Place the chicken back into the skillet with the skin side up.
6. Prepare the squash and apple: In a bowl, combine diced butternut squash, sliced apple, and fresh thyme. Toss with a tablespoon of olive oil before adding the mixture to the skillet, surrounding the chicken.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated 420°F oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the skin is crispy.
8. Serve: Serve the chicken and butternut squash on a plate, drizzling some of the apple cider sauce from the skillet over the top.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash

• Crispy skin: For extra crispy chicken skin, be sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and searing.
• Doneness check: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
• Flavor boost: If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the apple cider sauce.
• Storing leftovers: Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to keep the chicken crispy.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Apple cider chicken with butternut squash can be served in many ways. For a heartier meal, try serving it over mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower. The richness of the mashed potatoes complements the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken and squash. To complete the meal, serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious apple cider sauce.

Variations

• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix to bring a little heat to the dish.

Seasonal Appeal of Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash

This dish is a true celebration of fall. The sweet and savory combination of apple cider, butternut squash, and thyme captures the essence of autumn. It’s an ideal choice for cozy dinners when the weather starts to cool down and you crave something warm and comforting.

Apple cider chicken with butternut squash is also a great dish to make for holiday gatherings, as it can be prepared quickly and is sure to impress your guests. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, this recipe will bring the spirit of fall to any occasion.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Chicken with Butternut Squash

Apple cider chicken with butternut squash is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it the ideal fall comfort dish. This simple one-pan recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also delivers a warm, hearty meal full of seasonal flavors. The combination of crispy chicken, tender butternut squash, and the rich apple cider sauce will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or preparing a festive meal for friends, this recipe is sure to become a fall staple.

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