Are you looking for a nourishing and nutritious meal for your next lunch or dinner? This Skillet Apple Chicken is flavorful, easy to make, and good for you, too. With the combination of protein-rich chicken and fiber-full apples, this recipe is the perfect choice for both experienced athletes and those with active lifestyles to refuel with on an autumn day.
Chicken is filled with various nutrients, including protein, selenium, and B vitamins such as B3, B6, and B12. One 3-ounce serving of chicken contains 24 grams of protein—a nutrient critical for building and repairing muscle tissue and maintaining muscle mass—making this recipe a great option to refuel after a strenuous workout. B vitamins are also essential for post-workout recovery, each playing a role in energy production, DNA synthesis, and brain function.
Due to chicken’s high amount of protein and low calories, it could significantly benefit those trying to lose weight. When paired with resistance training, chicken can also improve muscle growth.
Apples are an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols, which can contribute to gut health and lower the risk of obesity. Their high fiber and water content helps lower blood pressure and can help with feelings of fullness.
Skillet Apple Chicken can support athletes of all levels to replenish and recharge after a workout, whether they’re trying to maintain muscle mass or just get in shape. With flavorful fall ingredients, this comfort food can help you reach your goals without having to sacrifice on taste.
TIPS: If you don’t have a cast-iron pan large enough for these ingredients, move everything to a greased baking sheet before placing in the oven.
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Skillet Apple Chicken
- Recipe by: Griffin McMath, ND, EDAC
- Serves: 5
- Meal: Anytime
- Serves: 5
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
4 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tsp cardamom (AIP – most can consume, some may need to omit or sub)
1 tsp cinnamon
4 1/2 tsp tsp. black pepper (AIP – omit or sub)
8 chicken breasts, cubed
2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped
2 medium sweet potatoes, roughly chopped
2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
2 bay leaves
2 large Golden Delicious apples, sliced ¼-inch thick
2 1/2 cups chopped hazelnuts, divided
1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cups dried apricots, diced
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12ʺ) cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Combine cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper in small bowl. Pat chicken dry and season on both sides with spice mix.
Add chicken to skillet and cook until lightly browned on both sides and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add onions, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, bay leaves, apples, and 1 ½ cups hazelnuts. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nuts do not burn.
Add remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic and stir to combine. Top with chicken breasts.
Bake in oven for about 15-20 minutes.
While cooking, slowly toast remaining hazelnuts in a saucepan at medium heat for 5 minutes.
Remove skillet from oven and take out bay leaves. Garnish with toasted hazelnuts and dried apricots before serving.
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