Dinner

Baked Chicken with Apples and Honey Recipe

ByMaya bella December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

Introduction

Baked Chicken with Apples and Honey is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with fragrant herbs and tart green apples, then finished with a touch of honey for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

A white plate with a cooked chicken breast in the center, topped with small cooked onion pieces and a few sage leaves, with a light brown sauce. To one side of the chicken are thin slices of cooked apple arranged in a stack, with a green herb sprig nearby. On the other side, there is a mound of yellow couscous with small pieces mixed in and a few shaved nuts or seeds on top. A small bunch of green leafy arugula is placed near the couscous. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 skinless chicken breasts
½ onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
1.5 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced
¾ cup apple juice or apple cider
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon sage
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a skillet and cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to an ovenproof dish or keep it in the oven-safe skillet.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the sliced apples and cook for another minute. Pour in the apple juice and honey, then sprinkle in the thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 3: Pour the apple and herb mixture over the chicken in the dish. Loosely cover with foil and bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 4: Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Using green apples adds a tartness that balances well with the sweet honey and herbs.
If using dried herbs instead of fresh, reduce the quantity slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safe consumption.
For a juice-sensitive diet, try using freshly squeezed apple juice instead of carton juice or cider.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

A white plate shows a meal with three main parts: in the center, a single piece of cooked chicken breast with a light golden and white color topped with small, translucent diced onions and a few green sage leaves. Around the chicken, slices of cooked pear add a pale yellow-beige color and soft texture. At the top right side, there is a small mound of light yellow couscous with some sliced almonds on it. To the far right of the plate, a fresh bunch of bright green leafy greens adds a fresh touch. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with some fresh herbs scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, but green apples are recommended for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the honey and complements the herbs nicely.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken before baking?

Browning the chicken adds flavor and texture, but you can skip this step for a quicker recipe. Just ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly in the oven.