Creamy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto and Gruyère

Introduction

Looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and creamy flavors? This Creamy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto and Gruyère is a cozy, heartwarming meal that feels like fall in a skillet. The tangy apple cider, rich Gruyère cheese, and crispy prosciutto come together with tender chicken to create an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. It’s an elevated dinner perfect for a weekend gathering or a special weeknight treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of autumn, making it ideal for cool evenings. The apple cider adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the creamy sauce, while the Gruyère cheese provides a rich, nutty note that complements the chicken beautifully. Crispy prosciutto adds a delightful crunch and savory touch that takes this dish to the next level. The best part? It’s all made in one skillet, making both preparation and cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds thin-cut chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 3 oz prosciutto
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, sliced or chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, cut into wedges
• 2 cups apple cider
• ½ – 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s ready for the final step of baking the chicken with the rich, creamy sauce and melted Gruyère.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

3. Cook the Prosciutto

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the prosciutto until it becomes crispy, about 5 minutes. Once crispy, remove the prosciutto from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.

4. Sear the Chicken

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. After searing, add another tablespoon of butter and let it brown around the chicken for about 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

5. Caramelize the Onions

Add the sliced onion to the skillet, using the residual butter and chicken drippings. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions turn golden and begin to caramelize. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, chopped garlic, thyme, sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the onions to fully caramelize and absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices.

6. Make the Sauce

Pour in the apple cider and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate. Stir in the heavy cream, adjusting the amount to your desired level of creaminess, and allow the sauce to heat through.

7. Add the Chicken and Bake

Return the seared chicken breasts and apple wedges to the skillet, making sure they are well coated with the creamy apple cider sauce. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

8. Serve

Once baked, top the dish with the crispy prosciutto and a sprinkling of fresh thyme or sage for added freshness. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious, creamy sauce.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (oven-safe)
• Shallow bowl for dredging
• Knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet (optional for crisping prosciutto separately)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Apple Cider Chicken

• Use Thin-Cut Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly, preventing them from drying out in the skillet.
• Caramelize the Onions: Don’t rush the onions! Allowing them to caramelize slowly enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Apple Choice Matters: Honeycrisp apples are perfect for this dish due to their sweet and crisp texture, but feel free to substitute with Granny Smith for a more tart flavor.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Cheese Swap: Gruyère is wonderfully nutty, but you can also use sharp white cheddar or fontina for a similar flavor profile.
• Meat Substitute: For a lighter version, substitute the chicken breasts with boneless pork chops.
• Add Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash would be a great addition to the dish, adding both color and texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or apple cider to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.

Food and Drink Pairings

Pair this Creamy Apple Cider Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. A glass of dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, will complement the richness of the sauce, while a light apple cider or sparkling water with a lemon wedge would make a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this recipe without cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half or omit it for a lighter sauce. If skipping the cream, use an extra splash of apple cider or chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Q: What if I don’t have prosciutto?
A: You can swap prosciutto with pancetta, crispy bacon, or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Simply refrigerate the components and reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.

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Creamy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Prosciutto and Gruyère

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• Author: Mia Martinez
• Total Time: 1 hour

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Description

Savor tender chicken in a creamy apple cider sauce, topped with crispy prosciutto and melted Gruyère. A rich, comforting dish perfect for fall dinners.

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Ingredients

1 ½ pounds thin-cut chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper, to taste

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon paprika

A pinch of cayenne pepper

3 oz prosciutto

3 tablespoons butter

1 yellow onion, sliced or chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

1 Honeycrisp apple, cut into wedges

2 cups apple cider

½ – 1 cup heavy cream

½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating evenly.

3. Cook the Prosciutto:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the prosciutto until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.

4. Sear the Chicken:

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Add another tablespoon of butter and let it brown around the chicken for about 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

5. Caramelize the Onions:

In the skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until golden. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, garlic, thyme, sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are caramelized.

6. Make the Sauce:

Pour in the apple cider and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then stir in the heavy cream and allow it to heat through.

7. Add the Chicken and Bake:

Return the chicken breasts and apple wedges to the skillet, ensuring they are covered by the sauce. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese over the top.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve:

Top the dish with crispy prosciutto and fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread for mopping up the creamy, cheesy sauce. Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450 kcal