Discover Culinary Bliss with Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce
Imagine the golden hues of autumn: crisp apples glisten beneath dappled sunlight, and the aroma of rich, savory herbs fills the air. As the leaves begin to turn and the chill creeps into the evenings, few dishes evoke the warmth of home like a plate of Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce. This delightful recipe invites you to dive into a world where tender chicken meets the sweet, subtly spiced notes of cider and fresh apples. Whether you’re hosting friends for a cozy dinner party or gathering your family for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to charm and inspire.
The enchantment begins with the sizzling sound of chicken searing in a hot skillet, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Wrapped in the salty embrace of prosciutto and flecked with fresh sage leaves, the chicken transforms from simple to spectacular. Drizzled with a velvety cider pan sauce, this dish becomes not just a meal, but a celebration of flavors and textures. As the ingredients meld together, you’ll find the tenderness of roasted chicken contrasted beautifully against the crisp apple slices, resulting in a medley that warms your heart and brightens your palate.
Join me as we dive into the art of creating this culinary delight. Perfect for everything from a lavish holiday feast to a straightforward family gathering, this recipe will become a staple that beckons you back for more.
What You’ll Need
To create this divine Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients to create layers of flavor that bring comfort to any table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 2 small apples, thinly sliced
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Tools
Gather the following essential kitchen tools to ensure a seamless cooking experience:
- A sharp knife for slicing
- A cutting board
- A whisk for blending the sauce
- An oven-safe skillet for searing and roasting
- A plate for resting the chicken
- Measuring spoons and cups
How to Make It
The journey to crafting this Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce is as rewarding as the final dish itself. With each step, you’ll infuse your space with delightful aromas and flavors, creating a truly inviting meal. Let’s embrace the process together!
Prepare the Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven warms, it’s time to butterfly those chicken breasts. Gently slice each breast horizontally but don’t cut all the way through; it’s like opening a book of tender chicken ready to be filled with deliciousness. As you lay the chicken out, feel the smooth texture of the meat beneath your fingertips; season the inside of each piece with a whisper of salt and pepper. Next, lay two slices of prosciutto inside each breast, their rich, salty aroma mingling with the chicken’s mildness. Add a generous handful of thinly sliced apples and a couple of sage leaves for an herbaceous punch, and then fold the chicken back over, cradling that beautiful filling inside.
Sear to Perfection
Warmth radiates as you heat two tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Listening for that satisfying sizzle, gently place each stuffed chicken breast in the skillet. Let them dance in the pan for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. As they cook, the prosciutto crispens while the apples soften, releasing their sweet essence. The sight of the golden-brown chicken against the dark skillet sets the tone for the beautiful symphony of flavors you’re about to create.
Roast It
Once your chicken is beautifully browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven to finish cooking, a process that should take 15-20 minutes depending on the size of your breasts. As it roasts, the kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of sage mingling with the richness of butter, and the anticipation builds. When ready, the juices should run clear, and when you cut into the chicken, you’ll see the apple and sage glistening invitingly within. Remove the chicken to a plate, tenting it with foil to keep warm as you prepare the luscious cider sauce.
Create the Sauce
Now, place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. The remnants of the chicken, those beautiful brown bits, are treasures waiting to be released. Pour in the apple cider and watch as it bubbles and steams, scrapping the fond (those flavorful bits) from the bottom of the pan, infusing the sauce with depth. Stir in the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar for a hint of tang, followed by the last two tablespoons of butter. As you whisk, the sauce transforms into a silky potion, rich and enticing. Allow it to simmer for about five minutes until it thickens slightly—a glorious finish to your dish.
Complete the Dish
Before serving, just a moment longer on the stove: return the chicken to the skillet to warm through, spooning the velvety cider sauce over each breast. The sauce glistens, the colors of the chicken, apples, and sauce create a beautiful mosaic. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve it proudly at your table.
Creative Twists
While this Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce is utterly delicious as it is, you can play around to make it your own:
- Seasonal Variations: Try substituting pears for the apples in late summer or adding dried cranberries during the holidays for an additional burst of sweetness.
- Spice Up the Flavor: A sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg compliments the apple beautifully, especially in the fall, while a dash of red pepper flakes adds a zing for a spicier twist.
- Protein Swaps: If you’re feeling adventurous, chicken thighs can substitute beautifully, providing a richer taste and moist texture—perfect for those who enjoy dark meat.
- Veggies Galore: Consider layering in roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts alongside the chicken for a more nutritious and colorful dish.
- Sauce Strikes: Want a touch more tang? Experiment with a splash of balsamic vinegar in the sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
Final Inspiration
With just one bite of your Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce, you’ll be whisked into a world of comforting, home-cooked happiness. This dish not only feeds the body but also nourishes the soul—a perfect recipe for fall evenings, family gatherings, or quiet nights when you crave something heartwarming.
So, gather your loved ones, set the table with care, and savor every moment as you share this delightful creation. Embrace the flavors, the textures, and the warmth that comes from preparing and enjoying this beautiful meal. Let this recipe become a cherished part of your rotation, bringing joy and comfort to countless meals shared around your table. Happy cooking!
Print
Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None specified
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto, apples, and sage, drizzled with a rich cider pan sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices prosciutto
- 2 small apples, thinly sliced
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Stuff each with prosciutto, apple slices, and sage leaves.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from skillet and tent with foil. Make the sauce by adding apple cider to the skillet, scraping the bottom to release flavors. Stir in Dijon mustard, vinegar, and remaining butter, and simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet to warm through, spoon sauce over each piece, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
For a twist, try substituting pears for apples or adding cranberries. Chicken thighs can provide a richer taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg

