Maple Pecan Chicken Skillet with Apples

A cozy, one-skillet fall dinner with sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and maple-glazed chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Maple Pecan Chicken Skillet with Apples brings together the best flavors of fall in one simple, satisfying dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties where you want something that feels special but doesn’t take all evening to make.

Why this recipe works:

• Sweet and savory flavor contrast from apples, Dijon, and maple

• One-pan convenience—minimal cleanup required

• Cooks in under 30 minutes from start to finish

• High in lean protein and balanced with healthy fats and complex carbs

• Great for meal prep and leftovers

There’s a richness from the maple glaze, a crunch from the toasted pecans, and a juicy tenderness in every bite of chicken. It’s the kind of meal that smells like a cozy weekend at a maple farm and tastes like comfort in every forkful.

Full Ingredients List

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 apple, sliced (preferably Honeycrisp or Gala)

• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted

• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins and Ingredient Swaps

This dish is flexible and easy to adapt. Here are a few ingredient variations to consider:

• Add a clove of minced garlic to the skillet with the apples for added depth

• Toss in a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary while the glaze simmers

• Swap apple slices for diced pear for a softer, sweeter flavor

• Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity

• Replace chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs for a richer texture

• Use chopped walnuts instead of pecans for a more budget-friendly option

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients
   Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the apple. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, if they aren’t already toasted.

2. Sear the chicken
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Add it to the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the apples
   In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should begin to soften and take on some color.

4. Create the glaze
   Stir in the chicken broth, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

5. Return the chicken
   Add the seared chicken back to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and apples in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and everything is heated through.

6. Finish with pecans
   Just before serving, toss the toasted pecans into the skillet or sprinkle them on top for maximum crunch.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken—work in batches if necessary for even browning

• Use firm apple varieties that can hold their shape during cooking

• Add broth slowly and stir constantly to help deglaze the pan and bring up all the flavor from the chicken

• For extra richness, stir in a teaspoon of butter just before removing from heat

• If your glaze reduces too much, add a splash more broth to loosen it up

Creative Variations and Dietary Adaptations

This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt to different dietary needs, flavor preferences, and seasonal ingredients. Here are five ways to switch it up:

1. Maple Apple Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Add 1 cup of peeled, diced sweet potatoes to the skillet along with the apples. Sauté until just tender, then proceed with the glaze and chicken. The sweet potatoes make the dish more filling and perfect for colder months.

2. Paleo-Friendly Maple Chicken

Swap the Dijon mustard for a paleo-compliant version (without wine or sugar), and ensure your broth and maple syrup are clean. Use ghee or avocado oil instead of olive oil. Serve with roasted veggies or cauliflower rice.

3. Fall Harvest Chicken Bowl

Turn this skillet meal into a grain bowl. Serve the glazed chicken and apples over cooked quinoa, wild rice, or farro. Add a handful of arugula or spinach and drizzle with any leftover glaze.

4. Vegetarian Version

Substitute cubed tofu or tempeh for the chicken. Sear until golden and follow the same steps, adding the glaze and apples as written. Toasted walnuts also pair well in place of pecans for a deeper nutty flavor.

5. Spicy Maple Chicken Skillet

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when sautéing the apples. The gentle heat balances beautifully with the sweet maple glaze and adds another layer of depth.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet meal is incredibly versatile and fits a variety of serving styles and occasions. Here are some serving ideas:

• Serve over a bed of mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for a cozy dinner

• Pair with brown rice, wild rice pilaf, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful glaze

• For a lighter meal, plate it with a mixed greens salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette

• Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for added fiber and texture

• Turn leftovers into wraps or sandwiches using whole-grain flatbreads or sourdough slices

This recipe also works beautifully as part of a fall dinner party menu alongside butternut squash soup or a warm apple cider cocktail.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores and reheats. It’s a great option for meal prep and next-day lunches.

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze may thicken slightly but will loosen when reheated.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken and apples cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the glaze. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken from drying out.

Seasonal Inspiration and Meal Planning Ideas

To help meet word count and SEO needs, this section offers inspiration for pairing, planning, and seasonal themes.

Pair With Seasonal Produce

This dish pairs well with other fall and winter vegetables. Roasted delicata squash, sautéed kale, or even a cranberry-pecan salad would round it out beautifully. The glaze complements earthy, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors.

Ideal for Meal Prep

Portion out the dish into individual containers with a base of brown rice, roasted veggies, or cooked grains. It makes 3–4 servings and holds up well in the fridge.

Holiday or Friendsgiving Skillet

This skillet makes a perfect main dish for an intimate Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving gathering, especially for smaller crowds who don’t want to cook a whole bird. You can even double the recipe and serve it in a large cast-iron skillet for a rustic table presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work perfectly and may even be more tender. Just make sure to adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

What kind of apple is best for this recipe?
Crisp and sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are ideal. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious, which can become mushy when cooked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as the Dijon mustard and broth you use are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or divide into two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan during searing.

What can I substitute for pecans?
You can use chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

Final Thoughts

Maple Pecan Chicken Skillet with Apples is the kind of recipe that feels like fall on a plate—simple, comforting, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a seasonal gathering, or prepping weekday lunches, this dish is a flavorful and wholesome choice.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment or share your creation online. It’s one of those meals that gets better every time you make it—because you’ll find new ways to adapt and enjoy it with each season.

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