Maple-Pecan Harvest Chicken Bake
Bring the cozy flavors of harvest season to your dinner table with this Maple-Pecan Harvest Chicken Bake. Infused with the essence of Thanksgiving, this dish combines tender chicken breasts with sweet apples, hearty sweet potatoes, and aromatic onions, creating a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Enhanced with rich maple syrup, fragrant poultry seasoning, and crunchy pecans, each bite evokes the warmth of a holiday gathering. Whether you're preparing for a busy weeknight or a festive family dinner, this one-dish meal is easy to prepare and satisfying to share. Serve it up with friends and family for a deliciously memorable occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (frozen)
apples
2 (peeled and sliced)
sweet potatoes
2 (peeled and sliced)
onion
1 (sliced thinly)
maple syrup
1/4 cup
poultry seasoning
1 tablespoon
chopped pecans
1/4 cup
dried cranberries (craisins)
1/4 cup
butter
4 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
For a baking dish preparation, place the frozen chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of a large baking dish.
3
Layer the sliced apples, sweet potatoes, and onions over the chicken.
4
Sprinkle the chopped pecans and dried cranberries evenly over the top of the layered vegetables.
5
Place a tablespoon of butter on each chicken breast, distributing them evenly.
6
In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup and poultry seasoning, mixing well before drizzling it over the entire dish.
7
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9
For the freezer bag method, place all ingredients (except the maple syrup, butter, and poultry seasoning) into a large ziplock bag.
10
Melt the butter and mix it with the maple syrup and poultry seasoning, then pour it into a small separate container to freeze.
11
When you are ready to cook, thaw the bag and the syrup mixture and pour the thawed contents into a baking dish, followed by the syrup mixture.
12
Bake covered as instructed above.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maple-Pecan Harvest Chicken Bake?
It is a one-dish meal featuring chicken breasts, apples, sweet potatoes, and pecans, infused with maple syrup and harvest flavors.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts, apples, sweet potatoes, onion, maple syrup, poultry seasoning, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and butter.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts to be placed in the baking dish.
How should I prepare the apples and sweet potatoes?
The apples and sweet potatoes should be peeled and sliced before being layered over the chicken.
How do I slice the onion?
The onion should be sliced thinly to ensure it cooks evenly with the other vegetables.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the Maple-Pecan Harvest Chicken Bake take to cook?
It typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes in the oven.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Should I cover the baking dish while it's in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the baking process.
Can I make this as a freezer meal?
Yes, you can place all ingredients except the syrup, butter, and seasoning into a large ziplock bag for later use.
How do I handle the syrup mixture for the freezer method?
Melt the butter and mix it with the maple syrup and poultry seasoning, then freeze it in a separate small container.
How do I cook this from the freezer?
Thaw the bag and the syrup mixture, pour the contents into a baking dish, add the syrup mixture, and bake covered.
What kind of seasoning is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning mixed with maple syrup.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
What kind of dried fruit is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, also known as craisins.
How much maple syrup is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
How is the butter applied to the dish?
Place one tablespoon of butter on each of the four chicken breasts before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as a Thanksgiving and harvest-themed recipe due to its seasonal ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed as an easy dinner and a one-dish meal, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Can I substitute the pecans?
While pecans provide a specific nutty flavor, you could likely substitute them with walnuts or omit them if you have a nut allergy.
What provides the sweetness in the bake?
The sweetness comes from the maple syrup, sliced apples, and dried cranberries.
Do I need to mix the maple syrup with anything?
Yes, mix the maple syrup with the poultry seasoning in a small bowl before drizzling it over the dish.
How many chicken breasts do I need?
The recipe requires 4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What is the layering order for the ingredients?
Place chicken at the bottom, then layer apples, sweet potatoes, and onions, followed by pecans and cranberries.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, but you may need to reduce the baking time slightly as fresh chicken cooks faster than frozen.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food because of its warm, hearty ingredients and savory-sweet profile.
Can I add more vegetables?
While the recipe calls for sweet potatoes and onions, you could potentially add other root vegetables if desired.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it warm directly from the baking dish, making sure to include the sauce and toppings with each serving of chicken.
What makes this a 'harvest' bake?
The use of seasonal fall ingredients like apples, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and pecans gives it a harvest theme.
Is this meal dairy-free?
No, it contains butter. To make it dairy-free, you would need to use a plant-based butter substitute.