Imagine a meal that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering culinary experience that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare! This Poached Chicken Breasts with Apples recipe is a game-changer for home cooks looking to impress their family and friends with minimal effort. Tender chicken breasts nestled among sweet, soft apple slices and aromatic onions create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this simple yet sophisticated American-style dish that promises restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 apples, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- Peel and core apples, then slice them into thin, uniform wedges approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Peel and slice the onion into thin rings, separating the layers gently.
- In a large, wide skillet or sauté pan, arrange the sliced onions as a base layer across the bottom of the pan.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the onion layer.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth around the chicken, ensuring it covers about halfway up the sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle dried thyme evenly over the chicken and surrounding liquid.
- Arrange apple slices around and between the chicken breasts in the broth.
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Poach the chicken for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Carefully remove chicken breasts and transfer to serving plates.
- Arrange the poached apple and onion slices around the chicken.
- Spoon some of the remaining cooking liquid over the chicken for added moisture and flavor before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure better flavor absorption and more even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Keep the heat on a gentle simmer to prevent the chicken from becoming tough and rubbery.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or apple cider to the poaching liquid.
- If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, consider pounding them to create a uniform size for more consistent cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help retain its moisture when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 324kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 170mg
