Faux Fried Chicken Apple Skillet – A Cozy Skillet Feast!

Who needs a mountain of dirty dishes when you can whip up a hearty, delicious meal in just one skillet? Not me, that’s for sure! This Faux Fried Chicken Apple Skillet is your new best friend for cozy, cold weather dinners. It’s crispy, it’s juicy, and it’s guilt-free (yes, you read that right).

We’re talking chicken tenders lightly coated in coconut flour—so you get all the crispy, golden goodness of fried chicken without the heavy frying oil or the “why did I eat that” regret. Plus, the combo of apple cider, fresh apples, and sage is basically the taste equivalent of a warm, fuzzy blanket.

Servings: 6 (Because, obviously, you’re gonna want leftovers)

Here’s what you need to make magic happen:

• 2 pounds of chicken tenders (the chicken that always delivers)
• Sea salt and black pepper (because seasoning is life)
• ¼ cup coconut flour (we’re keeping it light, folks)
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided (your skillet’s best friend)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped (more flavor, more fun)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (the smell is chef’s kiss)
• ¾ cup broth (chicken or bone, you do you)
• ¾ cup apple cider (sweet and tangy perfection)
• 2 apples, seeded and diced (they bring the crunch!)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a little zing)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, minced (garnish with a dash of fancy)

Time to make this magic skillet come to life:

1. Season your chicken like it’s the star of the show (salt and pepper on both sides). Set aside 1 tablespoon of coconut flour, then dredge the chicken in the rest of the coconut flour. Shake off any excess, because we’re not making a coconut flour cloud here.
2. Heat up that skillet! Add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, throw in the chicken and let it brown like it’s getting its tan on—about 7 minutes per side. Once it’s golden, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil. (Yes, tenting is a fancy term for covering with foil. You’re basically making it a cozy little chicken blanket.)
3. Let’s get onion-y and garlicky! Add the last tablespoon of coconut oil to the same skillet. Toss in the onions and garlic, and let them sizzle for 5 minutes until they make your kitchen smell like heaven. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of coconut flour and cook for another 2 minutes. We’re building flavor layers, people!
4. Time to deglaze! Pour in the broth and apple cider, bringing everything to a boil. Turn down the heat to medium and let it simmer until the sauce thickens up—about 5 minutes of patience for pure joy.
5. Apples and sage are the next stars! Stir in the apples, vinegar, and sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste (because, as we all know, tasting is part of the fun). Simmer until the apples soften—about 5 minutes.
6. Reunite the chicken with its saucy destiny! Pop the chicken back into the skillet, smother it with that delicious sauce, and garnish with fresh sage leaves.
7. Eat, enjoy, and feel like a gourmet chef!

Nutritional Breakdown:

One serving = 216 calories, 12g fat, 21g carbs, 12g sugar, 265mg sodium, 3g fiber, and 29g protein.

Pro tip: This dish is perfect for impressing friends, family, or just yourself. Plus, it only takes one skillet, which means more time eating and less time cleaning up (which is a win-win in my book).

Go ahead, spread the love—send this recipe to your friends, family, or that coworker who always brings up their latest food obsession. They’ll thank you.