Maple Walnut Chicken

This is a tasty chicken dish that is relatively quick to make.  Chicken is rubbed with some olive oil, ground thyme, salt and pepper and cooked up in a skillet.  A sweet sauce is made from apple cider vinegar and maple syrup.  Walnuts add a lot to the flavor.  Mark and I both really enjoyed this.  It's similar to barbecue chicken, but with slightly different flavors.

Both the walnuts and olive oil are a good source of healthy fats.  Many claim that apple cider vinegar helps with dozens of health issues (google it and you'll see tons of articles).  So, I'm always happy when I find a good use for it.  I served this chicken over cooked bulgar with roasted vegetables.  This was our first time having asparagus in many months and it hit the spot.  This meal was a winner!  If you're looking for a new way to cook chicken, give this a try!

Maple Walnut Chicken

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breast, cut into 4 large pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground dried thyme (or dried thyme leaves)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 cup water

DIRECTIONS:

1)  In a large skillet over medium-low heat, toast chopped walnuts until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Watch carefully because they can quickly burn.  Once toasted, remove from skillet and set aside.

2)  Meanwhile, combine olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.  Rub chicken with seasonings to coat thoroughly.  Add chicken to hot skillet and turn heat up to medium.  Cook chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through (165F), about 12 minutes.  Remove chicken from skillet to a plate.

3)  Meanwhile, combine apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and water in a small bowl.  Pour into skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up anything that was left in the bottom of the skillet from the chicken.  Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened/reduced, about 6 minutes.  Add walnuts and stir to coat.

4)  Serve chicken with sauce/walnuts on top.

(recipe adapted from paleo plan)