Few things capture the cozy spirit of the season like a warm, fragrant dinner straight from the oven. This Pear and Apple Chicken Bake – Easy Fall Dinner Recipe combines tender baked chicken breasts, crisp seasonal fruit, and a comforting drizzle of maple glaze for a wholesome, high‑protein meal that feels like a celebration of autumn itself. Each bite blends savory richness with the natural sweetness of pears and apples, bringing balance and comfort to the table. In this guide, you’ll find the full ingredient list, step‑by‑step preparation, serving ideas, and helpful FAQs to make this your new go‑to dish for chilly evenings.
Why Pear and Apple Chicken Bake Defines Fall Comfort Food
Family Memory and Seasonal Inspiration
The inspiration for this Pear and Apple Chicken Bake came one crisp October evening when the air smelled faintly of woodsmoke and falling leaves. A basket of pears and apples sat on the counter, begging to be used before they softened, and the idea of pairing them with oven chicken breasts just felt right. As the dish baked, the kitchen filled with the scent of caramelized fruit and maple syrup—an aroma that instantly reminded me of family dinners where everyone gathered around for something hearty and homemade.
Over the years, this Pear and Apple Chicken Bake has become a staple for busy weeknights and slow Sunday dinners alike. It’s beautifully uncomplicated—just a few fresh ingredients layered in a casserole dish—but the result feels special, almost like comfort food with a touch of elegance. The fruit softens while the chicken stays juicy, and the savory juices mingle with the maple glaze to create a sauce that needs nothing more than a side of vegetables or rice.
That balance of simplicity and warmth is why I return to this Pear and Apple Chicken Bake every fall. It requires minimal prep yet delivers maximum reward, giving you time to enjoy the evening instead of hovering in the kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that reminds us cooking from scratch can be both easy and deeply satisfying.
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Pear and Apple Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A simple fall dinner featuring juicy baked chicken breasts with caramelized pears and apples drizzled in a light maple glaze. This dish balances sweet and savory for a cozy, high-protein meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and place in the center of the baking dish.
3. Toss pear and apple slices with lemon juice, then arrange around the chicken.
4. Whisk together maple syrup, melted butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the chicken and fruit.
6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and fruit is tender.
7. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving, spooning pan sauce over each portion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with fruit
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: pear chicken bake, apple chicken bake, fall dinner recipe, maple glaze chicken, baked chicken recipe, seasonal dinner
What Makes This Dish Unique
What truly sets this dish apart is the harmony of flavors. The sweetness of ripe pears meets the tart brightness of apples, creating a natural balance that complements rather than overwhelms the savory baked chicken. When brushed with a light maple glaze and a hint of herbs, the ensemble turns into a dish that feels cozy, rustic, and nourishing all at once.
Unlike heavier casseroles or overly sweet fruit‑based dinners, this Pear and Apple Chicken Bake – Easy Fall Dinner Recipe hits that sweet‑savory midpoint perfectly. It’s wholesome and nutritious, relying on seasonal produce and pantry staples instead of processed ingredients. There’s no need for elaborate sauces or complicated steps—just straightforward, from‑scratch cooking that tastes like fall comfort food at its best. By combining simple preparation with the elegance of fall flavors, this dish brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any dinner table.
Ingredients and Preparation – Crafting the Perfect Oven Chicken Breasts With Fruit
Essential Ingredients
This Pear and Apple Chicken Bake – Easy Fall Dinner Recipe revolves around simple, wholesome ingredients that highlight fall’s best flavors. Everything comes together beautifully with a few fresh items and your pantry staples.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes/Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 medium (about 1.5–2 lbs) | Substitute bone-in breasts, thighs, or pork chops |
| Fresh pears | 2 medium, ripe but firm | Bartlett or Bosc work best; avoid overly soft pears |
| Fresh apples | 2 medium | Use tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith |
| Pure maple syrup | 3 tablespoons | Honey may be used for a different sweetness |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons, melted | Olive or coconut oil for dairy-free option |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced | Or use ½ teaspoon garlic powder |
| Fresh thyme or rosemary | 1 teaspoon, chopped | Use sage for an earthier twist |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Sea or Himalayan salt both work |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Add red chili flakes for mild heat |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Keeps fruit bright and prevents browning |
| Optional garnish | — | Fresh herbs or drizzle of maple glaze |
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
This baked chicken recipe is simple enough for any cook. Follow these easy steps for perfectly juicy oven chicken breasts surrounded by tender, golden fruit.
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Slice and Season the Fruit: Core and slice pears and apples into ½‑inch wedges. Toss with lemon juice and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken dry, rub with melted butter, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs.
- Layer the Dish: Arrange chicken in the center, fruit around it for even cooking.
- Mix and Add the Maple Glaze: Whisk maple syrup with the remaining butter and drizzle evenly over the chicken and fruit.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and fruit turns tender and golden. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest 5–10 minutes before plating. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
Tip: To keep chicken juicy, check doneness at the 30‑minute mark and avoid overbaking. Marinating in half of the glaze for two hours adds deeper flavor.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions – Making It Your Own
Cooking Tips and Flavor Adjustments
This Pear and Apple Chicken Bake – Easy Fall Dinner Recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences. Try these simple tweaks to make it your own.
- Adjust Sweetness and Seasoning: Reduce maple syrup for a more savory finish or brush on extra during baking for caramelized fruit. Add smoked paprika or Dijon mustard for extra depth.
- Play with Protein Choices: Substitute thighs, bone‑in chicken, pork chops, or turkey tenderloin; adjust baking time slightly.
- Make It Lower in Sugar or More Savory: Replace part of the syrup with balsamic vinegar or olive oil; the fruit naturally keeps the sweet‑savory balance.
- Choose the Perfect Sides: Roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa, green beans, or mashed sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the maple‑fruit glaze.
- Texture and Glaze Tips: Simmer pan juices briefly after baking for a thickened glaze or add apple cider before baking for more sauce.
Presentation and Serving Ideas for Fall Family Meals
For effortless presentation, serve this dish family-style in the same rustic baking dish. The colors of golden chicken, caramelized fruit, and glossy maple glaze capture autumn at a glance.
Scatter sprigs of thyme or rosemary on top before serving. A light drizzle of reduced glaze or sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings everything together. For added crunch, garnish with toasted pecans or walnuts.
Pair this baked chicken recipe with a crisp green salad, roasted root vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Seasonal beverages like apple cider or light white wine complete the cozy scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the Pear and Apple Chicken Bake ahead, cover, and refrigerate for several hours. Add the glaze just before baking so the fruit stays firm and fresh.
What types of pears and apples work best?
Bartlett or Bosc pears and Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith apples hold their shape and give the perfect contrast of sweetness and tartness.
How can I store leftovers safely?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a spoonful of pan sauce to preserve moisture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless or bone‑in thighs stay wonderfully tender. Increase baking time to about 35–40 minutes, depending on thickness.
How do I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?
Swap butter with olive or coconut oil for dairy-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free—no changes required.
Bringing It All Together
The Pear and Apple Chicken Bake – Easy Fall Dinner Recipe captures everything comforting about the season—simple preparation, balanced flavors, and satisfying nourishment. Juicy chicken, caramelized autumn fruit, and a gentle touch of maple make this a nourishing centerpiece for any occasion.
Perfect for weeknights or cozy Sunday gatherings, it’s a reminder that from-scratch cooking can be easy, wholesome, and deeply rewarding. Once you try this dish, it may just become your favorite fall tradition—warm, inviting, and irresistibly simple.
