Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Creamy Apple Maple Chicken. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is the single most important step for achieving crispy, golden-brown skin. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Season the chicken pieces liberally on both sides with this mixture.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear, without moving, for 6-8 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It will not be fully cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Apples
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the sliced apples and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour the apple cider vinegar into the skillet to deglaze it, using a wooden spoon to scrape all the browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom of the pan. This is packed with flavor. Whisk in the maple syrup and Dijon mustard until combined.

Step 5: Simmer and Combine
Pour in the chicken broth and add the fresh herb sprig, if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, skin-side up, along with any accumulated juices from the plate.

Step 6: Finish Cooking and Add Cream
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Alternatively, you can place the oven-safe skillet in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, uncovered, for the same amount of time.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and the apples to a clean plate. Remove the herb sprig.

Step 7: Create the Luxurious Sauce
With the skillet back on the stovetop over low heat, stir in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has thickened slightly. Do not boil. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Return the chicken and apples to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. Serve immediately.