Maple Mustard Chicken & Apples

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start tumbling, nothing feels more comforting than a skillet full of cozy fall flavors. Maple mustard chicken with apples and onions is exactly that—sweet, savory, tangy, and perfectly balanced. It’s one of those dinners that looks fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a weeknight meal.

The magic here comes from the combination of flavors. Chicken gets seared until golden, then paired with sliced onions and tart-sweet apples. A sauce of maple syrup and whole grain mustard ties it all together—sticky, glossy, and just tangy enough to keep things bright.

Ingredients That Shine

• Chicken breasts or thighs – Easily interchangeable according to your liking.
• Apples – Choose a firm, tart variety like Fuji, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith so they don’t get mushy.
• Onions – Sweet onions or yellow onions give depth and balance.
• Maple syrup – A touch of pure maple syrup brings natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with mustard.
• Mustard – Whole grain mustard adds texture and tang, while Dijon can be swapped in for extra sharpness.

How to Make It

1. Sear the chicken. Brown both sides in a skillet for a golden crust.
2. Remove the chicken and add apples and onions. Same Skillet.  Easier clean up.
3. Start the sauce. Simple add the mustard and maple syrup to the onions & apples mixture and stir to coat.
4. Deglaze. Pour the apple cider or white wine into the skillet and scrape up those browned bits on the bottom to create even more flavor.

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Serving Ideas

• Spoon the chicken, apples, and onions over creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
• Pair with wild rice or polenta to soak up the sauce.
• Add a simple side salad of arugula and walnuts to balance the richness.

Make It Your Own

• Swap chicken for pork chops or tenderloin—this glaze works beautifully with pork and we all know how well pork & apples go together.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra fragrance.

This maple mustard chicken with apples and onions is hearty, seasonal, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or just treating yourself on a cool evening, it’s a dish that tastes like autumn comfort in every bite.

Maple Mustard Chicken & Apples
Serves 4

2 large chicken breast (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner cutlets)
2 apples, such as Fuji or Pink Lady, cut into thinner wedges
2 Tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
1 large yellow onion, sliced in half moon shapes
1/2 cup rice flour or regular flour
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced rosemary
1 Tablespoon grainy mustard
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider (or sub in white wine or chicken stock)

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat & add avocado oil
• Dredge chicken breasts in rice flour (or regular flour).  Season with salt & pepper and place into skillet. Flip once browned on one side.  This will take approximately 4- 5 minutes per side.  Remove from the skillet.
• Add apples and onion into the skillet and stir occasionally, letting the onions become translucent and the apples golden.  Add a pinch more salt and pepper.
• Add mustard, maple syrup, garlic and rosemary and mix to coat everything well.
• Pour in apple cider or wine to deglaze the bottom of the skillet (and help make a phenomenal sauce).  Scrape all the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet.
• Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, ensuring the breasts are also covered with the maple mustard glaze.
• Serve!