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Hi friends, Molly here from my name is yeh! Fall is officially here, which means I’m leaning fully into cozy recipes and apple-everything. I recently kicked off the season with an apple picking party (complete with far too many caramel apples—worth it), and came home inspired to make something savory that still celebrated all those crisp, juicy apples. Enter: this Chicken with Apples and Chardonnay recipe.
This dish is everything I want in a weeknight fall meal—warm, flavorful, and super easy to make in one pan. It’s got tender chicken, sweet apples, soft golden onions, and just the right amount of spice from paprika and cinnamon. The real star, though? A splash of Kendall-Jackson AVANT Chardonnay, which adds brightness and depth to balance the sweetness from the apples. It gives the sauce a lovely zing and turns a simple skillet dinner into something a little more special.
Serve it straight from the pan with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a light salad—and don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of that AVANT Chardonnay while you’re at it. It’s fall comfort, done right.
Why Apples and Chardonnay Just Work
There’s a reason apples and Chardonnay feel like they were made for each other. Both offer a crisp, fruity brightness that balances richness and adds layers of flavor to any dish. In this recipe, the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the apples mirror the citrus and green apple notes in Kendall-Jackson AVANT Chardonnay, creating a seamless bridge between the food and the wine. The wine’s gentle acidity lifts the savory chicken and warm spices, while its subtle oak and fruit tones enhance the apples' caramelized edges. Whether in the skillet or in your glass, this pairing brings out the best in both.
Choosing the Right Apple for the Dish
The type of apple you use can subtly shift the flavor profile of this dish, so it’s worth picking the right one for your taste:
- Honeycrisp – A balanced option with sweetness and crunch; perfect for a juicy, well-rounded bite.
- Granny Smith – Tart and firm, these apples hold up well to heat and add a tangy contrast to the savory chicken.
- Gala – Mild and sweet, great if you prefer a softer, mellow apple flavor.
- Fuji – Super sweet and crisp; ideal if you want to lean into the caramelized side of the dish.
- Pink Lady – A nice middle ground with tartness and sweet complexity, making it a versatile choice.
No matter which variety you choose, be sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly and soak up all the delicious Chardonnay-infused sauce.
Chicken with Apples and Chardonnay
Recipe Type:
Main Dish
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Servings:
4
Ingredients
- 2 tb butter or oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips or cubes
- Salt and pepper
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ c K-J AVANT Chardonnay
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Over medium high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil in a skillet. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned and no longer pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet and cook the onions until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 more minute. Pour in the Chardonnay and add the apples. Stir the mixture to coat the apples evenly and spread them out in the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the apples reach desired consistency.
- Fold back in the chicken and heat for 1-2 more minutes, until heated through.
Savor the Season with a Glass of Kendall-Jackson
This cozy skillet chicken is proof that simple ingredients—when thoughtfully paired—can create something truly special. The gentle sweetness of apples, the warm spices, and the savory richness of chicken all come to life with a splash of Chardonnay. Whether you're celebrating apple season or just need an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like fall, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in equal measure.
For an extra touch of elegance, pour yourself a glass of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay alongside the meal. Its bright fruit notes and balanced acidity make it the perfect complement from pan to plate to pour. Explore more of our Chardonnay offerings and bring a little extra warmth to your table this season.
