Recipes

This $8 Apple-Caramelized Chicken Skillet Is 100% EBT-Friendly (And Feeds 3–4)

by StudioLink's Diet.
November 18, 2025
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Servings: 3–4
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: ~$8 total using only EBT-approved ingredients
Cook Time: 25 minutes

This cozy fall chicken skillet is made with caramelized apples, golden-seasoned chicken, onions, and warm spices. It’s the perfect blend of sweet + savory comfort and comes together using all EBT-eligible ingredients for under $8 total.

This dish feels elevated but is made entirely from budget-friendly staples, making it ideal for families during moments of uncertainty or tight grocery budgets.

Ingredients:

0.5x
1x
2x
4x
 
For the Chicken
  •   1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces (about 2 thighs)
  •   1/2 tsp salt
  •   1/2 tsp black pepper
  •   1/2 tsp garlic powder
  •   1/2 tsp paprika
  •   1 tbsp oil or butter
 
For the Caramelized Apples
  •   1 large apple (Honeycrisp, Gala, or any affordable apple) (thinly sliced)
  •   1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
  •   1 tbsp butter
  •   1 tbsp brown sugar (or 1 tsp if minimizing cost)
  •   1/2 tsp cinnamon
  •   pinch salt
 
Optional (Still EBT-Friendly):
  •   1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  •   1 tsp mustard or vinegar for brightness

🔪 Instructions

1. Season and Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

  3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook 6–8 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

  4. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Caramelize the Onions & Apples

  1. Add 1 tbsp butter to the same skillet.

  2. Add apple slices + onion slices.

  3. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

  4. Cook 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and golden caramelization forms.

Optional: If pan looks dry, add 1–2 tbsp water or broth to dissolve browned bits.

3. Combine & Simmer

  1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.

  2. Toss everything together to coat the chicken in the caramelized mixture.

  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld.

  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

⭐ 4. Serve

Serve warm over:

  • rice (EBT-friendly)

  • mashed potatoes

  • noodles

  • or on its own as a skillet meal

Feeds 3–4 people comfortably.

🛒 EBT-Friendly Grocery List 

Chicken thighs

Apple

Onion

Butter

Oil (optional)

Brown sugar

Cinnamon

Garlic powder

Paprika

Salt & pepper

Estimated total: $7–$8 depending on store pricing.

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