Today I’m sharing a simple, satisfying griddle meal: Blackstone Chicken with Cranberries and Apples. It’s a complete dinner that brings together cozy fall flavors—maple, cinnamon, apples, and tart cranberries—for a quick weeknight meal cooked on a flat top or griddle.
I’ve been into fall recipes lately, and this one is a favorite for its balance of sweet and savory notes. It’s easy to prep, cooks fast on the griddle, and makes a healthy, flavorful main course.
How to make Blackstone Chicken Cranberries and Apples
For this recipe I use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces, but chicken breasts will work as well. The spice blend includes paprika, thyme, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon to complement the apples and maple. I like Honeycrisp apples for their crisp texture, plus a generous amount of fresh spinach and diced onion.
The simple sauce combines maple syrup and Dijon mustard, thinned with a little water to create a glaze that coats the chicken and fruit. A handful of dried cranberries adds a sweet-tart pop, and optional green onions, crushed red pepper flakes, or crumbled goat cheese finish the dish.
Whenever I cook on the griddle I like to have everything prepped and ready on a tray so it’s easy to carry outside and work quickly once the surface is hot.
Begin by preheating the griddle or flat top grill to medium. Add a little cooking oil, then the diced chicken and onion. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping and stirring so the pieces sear evenly.
Next add two diced apples and about five cups of chopped spinach, along with more salt and pepper and the spices: paprika, cumin, fresh or dried thyme, and a touch of cinnamon. Cook for another 4–6 minutes, stirring to combine so the spinach wilts and the apples soften but still retain some texture.
Finish by pouring the maple-and-Dijon mixture over the ingredients, then stir in the dried cranberries, a pinch of crushed red pepper (if you like heat), and sliced green onions. Cook 2–3 minutes more so the sauce thickens slightly and everything is well coated.
A complete, healthy fall meal cooked on the griddle
This dish serves as a nutritious, one-pan-style dinner with protein, vegetables, and fruit all in one. If you like, top servings with crumbled goat cheese for a creamy contrast to the sweet-tart cranberries.
Serve immediately while warm. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for a couple of days and reheat nicely on the griddle or in a skillet.
Recipe
Blackstone Chicken Cranberries and Apples
A quick, healthy fall recipe for the griddle: savory-spiced chicken with apples, spinach, and dried cranberries finished with a maple-Dijon glaze.
Author: Cheri Renee
Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 12 mins | Servings: 4 | Calories: 495 kcal
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle or other flat top grill
Ingredients
- Cooking oil of choice
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp recommended), diced
- 5 cups chopped spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or dried)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: green onions, crushed red pepper flakes, goat cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium. Add oil, then the chicken and diced onion. Season with kosher salt and pepper and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring until chicken begins to brown.
- Add the diced apples, chopped spinach, thyme, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and additional salt and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring so the apples soften and the spinach wilts.
- Mix Dijon, maple syrup, and water, then pour over the griddle mixture. Stir in dried cranberries, green onions, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook 2–3 minutes more until everything is glazed and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, with optional goat cheese crumbles on top.
More griddle recipe ideas
Try other flat-top favorites like lemon chicken and broccolini, peach and burrata crostini, or Cajun chicken with peppers for more seasonal griddle inspiration.
Connect and share
Follow on social platforms: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest. Join the Grilling and Smoking Facebook Group to swap tips and recipes.
