Apple Cider Smothered Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds thin-cut chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 3 ounces prosciutto
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, sliced or chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, cut into wedges
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/2-1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Optional additions:

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or blueberries
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken through flour mixture.
3. Cook prosciutto: Arrange prosciutto in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook until crispy all over, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.
4. Brown chicken: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and the chicken. Sear on both sides until golden, 3-5 minutes per side. Add 1 more tablespoon of butter and allow the butter to brown around the chicken, about 2 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet.
5. Sauté vegetables: Add onions and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden. Add garlic, thyme, sage, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until onions have caramelized.
6. Add liquids: Add apple cider and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour in cream.
7. Assemble and bake: Add chicken and apples to the skillet. Sprinkle over Gruyère cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
8. Serve: Top with crispy prosciutto and fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add chopped walnuts or almonds, dried cranberries or blueberries, or a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.
• For a sweeter taste: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce.
• For a richer sauce: Use heavy cream instead of regular cream.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken with Apples and Gruyère!