Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s a comforting hug on a plate, this Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe is just the ticket. I absolutely love how the sweet-tart flavor of Granny Smith apples plays off the rich, velvety bourbon cream sauce—every bite feels like a little celebration. It’s the kind of recipe that works perfectly for weeknight dinners when you want something fancy without the fuss.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how quickly it all comes together in one skillet, cutting down on cleanup (which we all appreciate!). You’ll find that it’s a crowd-pleaser too—my family goes crazy for this comfort-food twist that balances savory, sweet, and a touch of warmth from the bourbon. Trust me, this Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe is worth bookmarking for your next meal plan.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe contributes to its signature taste—bright apples, tangy mustard, the warmth of bourbon, and that luxurious creaminess all meld perfectly together. When shopping, look for crisp Granny Smith apples and quality bourbon that you wouldn’t mind sipping.

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and apples without overpowering the other flavors.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: The divided use ensures perfect browning on the chicken and gentle cooking of the veggies.
• Red onion: I like this for its mellow sweetness when cooked, but you can use yellow if that’s what you have.
• Granny Smith apple: Their tartness cuts through the creamy sauce and adds a fresh bite.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning layers of flavor throughout the dish.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into cutlets for even cooking and tender bites.
• Freshly ground black or white pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice without overwhelming the flavors.
• Spicy mustard: Provides a subtle heat and depth that wakes up the sauce.
• Paprika: A smoky warmth that enhances the bourbon’s richness.
• Bourbon: The star ingredient that adds an irresistible depth and sweetness when reduced.
• Low-sodium chicken stock: Keeps the sauce flavorful without salt overload.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and lovely mouthfeel.
• Extra-sharp white cheddar: Melts into the sauce for a tangy, creamy finish.
• Thyme sprigs (optional): Adds an aromatic earthiness that complements the apples perfectly.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe is so adaptable. Whether you want to swap up the cheese or add some veggies, it’s easy to make it your own without sacrificing flavor. Let yourself play around with it—you might discover a new favorite version!

• Dairy-free option: I once swapped the heavy cream for coconut milk and left out the cheese; the sauce was still luscious and creamy with a tropical twist.
• Veggie add-ins: I’ve tossed in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add some greens and texture, which really brightened up the dish for me.
• Spice it up: You can add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little kick—perfect for those cozy, chilly nights.
• Herb swap: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage also pair nicely with the apples and bourbon.

How to Make Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the onion and apples until tender and golden

Start by heating the butter and a tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the thinly sliced red onion and Granny Smith apples along with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll want the onions to wilt and the apples to soften and turn a lovely light golden color—this usually takes about 6 minutes. Pro tip: Be patient here because these softened ingredients will bring sweet and savory notes that’re essential to the dish’s flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken cutlets

While your apples and onions cook, slice each chicken breast through the thickest part to make 6 thin cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and evenly without drying out. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to build flavor early on. When I first tried this, I used whole breasts and found they cooked unevenly, so slicing into cutlets is a game changer.

Step 3: Brown the chicken until golden and cooked through

Using the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and turn the heat to medium-high. Brown the chicken cutlets for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Transfer the cooked chicken to the plate with the apples and onions and set aside.

Step 4: Build the bourbon cream sauce

Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the spicy mustard and paprika to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to get those flavors to bloom. Pour in the bourbon and whisk, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits off the pan’s bottom. Cook until the bourbon reduces and the alcohol smell fades, about a minute. Adding chicken stock next, bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce by half—this concentrates the flavors beautifully, roughly 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 5: Add cream and cheese for ultimate creaminess

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts fully and the sauce simmers lightly. Then crank the heat back up to medium and let it thicken a bit more, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 5 minutes. The result should be that silky, dreamy sauce you’ll want to spoon on everything.

Step 6: Combine everything and finish cooking

Return the cooked chicken, onions, and apples to the skillet. Toss everything together in that gorgeous sauce and warm through for 2 to 3 minutes. Give it a final seasoning check and add more salt if needed. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top—they add such a nice aromatic touch that’s definitely worth it.

How to Serve Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping this dish with fresh thyme sprigs—it adds a lovely herbal aroma and makes the meal look beautiful without any extra effort. Sometimes I add a light sprinkle of extra-sharp cheddar on top for a melty, cheesy finish. A crack of fresh black pepper right before serving adds just the right bite.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe are simple and complementary: creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that luscious sauce, or buttery garlic green beans for a light contrast. On a busy night, I often serve it with steamed rice or crusty bread—both are perfect for mopping up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this skillet right from the pan on a rustic wooden board, garnished with thyme and apple slices for that wow factor. Pair it with a crisp salad on the side and your favorite wine, and you’ve got a meal that looks as good as it tastes. It’s a great conversation starter, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually seem to marry even more overnight, so sometimes I purposely make extra to enjoy next-day dinners that taste even better than the first.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with success—just cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the sauce may thicken, so I add a splash of chicken stock or cream while reheating to bring it back to that perfect consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and to evenly redistribute the sauce. If it seems too thick, a little extra cream or broth plus some tender loving stirring brings it right back to silky smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite comfort meals to whip up—especially when I want something special without a ton of fuss. The melding of sweet apples, bold bourbon, and creamy cheese sauce is just pure magic. I really hope you give this recipe a try and that it finds a happy spot on your weeknight rotation or weekend dinner table. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to impress yourself and others with this skillet wonder!

Print