This Chai Spiced Apple Butter Chicken recipe brings together cozy fall flavors with tender chicken for a truly unique and delicious meal. It’s simple to make, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, and will quickly become a family favorite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best.
- Apple Butter: The star of the sauce! Look for a good quality apple butter without added sugars if possible.
- Chai Spices: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. If you don’t have all of these, a pre-made chai spice blend works well, or just use cinnamon and a pinch of ginger.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential for building flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Adds liquid to the sauce. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash brightens the flavors. Lemon juice can be used instead.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or Dutch oven, measuring cups and spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking it through, just get some color on it. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the same skillet, adding a tiny bit more oil if needed. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Add Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds so much flavor to your apple butter chicken! Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
4. Create the Sauce
Stir in the apple butter and apple cider vinegar until well combined with the spices and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Chicken
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the chai spiced apple butter sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Serve and Garnish
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper. Serve your chai spiced apple butter chicken warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. It’s wonderful over rice, quinoa, or with some crusty bread.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Chai Spiced Apple Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting and searing for best results.
Q: What can I serve with Chai Spiced Apple Butter Chicken?
A: It pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Q: Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
A: No, apple butter is a more concentrated form of applesauce, cooked down for a longer time until it’s thick, smooth, and deeply caramelized, giving it a richer flavor.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well, though thighs tend to stay a bit more tender.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other spices for a little kick.