Name: Honey Mustard Apple Chicken with a Savory Twist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 2 apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), thinly sliced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional); 2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (plus more for garnish); Salt and black pepper, to taste

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This Honey Mustard Apple Chicken with a Savory Twist is a flavorful, autumn-inspired dish that blends sweet and tangy honey mustard with tender chicken and the natural sweetness of apples. I love how the savory herbs balance everything, making it comforting enough for a cozy dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines flavors I don’t always think to put together—juicy chicken, crisp apples, and honey mustard—and makes them taste like they were meant for each other. The sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, while the apples add freshness and texture. It’s an easy skillet dish that still feels special. Honey Mustard Apple Chicken with a Savory Twist

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil or butter
Apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well), sliced
Onion, thinly sliced
Garlic, minced
Dijon mustard
Whole grain mustard (optional, for extra texture)
Honey
Chicken broth
Heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Salt and pepper

Directions

I season the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). I transfer it to a plate.
In the same skillet, I add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onions and apples until softened and lightly caramelized.
I stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I whisk in the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, chicken broth, and fresh thyme, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
I simmer the sauce for a few minutes, then stir in the heavy cream if I want extra richness.
I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.
I serve the chicken topped with apples and sauce, garnished with extra thyme.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking takes around 20 minutes, so total time is roughly 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of apple cider for extra apple flavor. I’ve also swapped the cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version. For a fall harvest twist, I add roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts to the skillet before serving.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I use short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness. They also hold up well to reheating.

What apples work best for this recipe?

I like Honeycrisp for sweetness and crunch, but Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady work well. I avoid very tart varieties like Granny Smith for this dish.

Is this dish sweet?

It has a hint of sweetness from the apples and honey, but the mustard and herbs balance it with savory and tangy notes.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I simply skip the cream or use a dairy-free substitute like coconut cream.

What can I serve this with?

It’s great with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad makes a fresh side.

Conclusion

This Honey Mustard Apple Chicken with a Savory Twist is a wonderful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s quick enough for a busy night yet impressive enough for guests—and it always tastes like autumn on a plate.