1-Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients: Let’s start with getting everything ready, because prepping ahead makes the whole process smoother, I guess that’s the secret to not feeling overwhelmed. First, pat your chicken dry and season it with salt and pepper, then dredge it in a mix of flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper for that extra kick.

While that’s set, slice your onions, mince the garlic, and chop up the fresh thyme and sage, SO GOOD when the aromas start filling the kitchen. Don’t forget to core and slice those apples, they’re going to add such a fresh, crisp element to the dish.

2-Preheat and Sear for Flavor: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get things hot and ready. Heat your oven-safe skillet over medium heat and cook the prosciutto until it’s crispy, then set it aside for a crunchy topping later.

Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and sear the chicken until it’s golden brown, honestly, this step locks in all those juicy flavors. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest while you move on.

3-Build the Sauce Base: With the skillet still hot, add the remaining butter if needed, then toss in the sliced onions. Cook them until they’re deeply caramelized, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally for that rich, sweet base.

Next, add the garlic, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper, and let it cook for a minute until everything smells amazing. Now, pour in the apple cider, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom, then simmer for 2-3 minutes and stir in the heavy cream for a creamy finish.

4-Assemble and Bake: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and add the apple slices around it. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top, and pop the whole thing into the oven.

Bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. For more on pairing this with sides, check out our apple cranberry crisp recipe for a complementary fall dessert idea.

Finally, take it out, top with the crispy prosciutto and extra thyme, and serve it up with something like crusty bread to soak up that sauce. The whole process takes about 40 minutes total, making it perfect for a quick family dinner.