My friend Ana Fuller gave me a recipe for an apple-flavored chicken bake that included apple butter. I planned to make it when we had a house guest this spring. We were out and about later than anticipated. When we got back, I took a look at the recipe and began throwing ingredients together. What was to be a marinade for uncooked chicken became a sauce that went on the chicken and right into the oven.

Apple Butter Chicken

Preheat oven to 350°
Spray a rectangular cake pan or casserole with cooking spray

4 skinless chicken breasts
1 c apple butter
3/4 c molasses
2 tsp ground ginger
salt and pepper to taste

1. Precook chicken breasts, covered, in microwave for 10 minutes or until almost done and moist.
2. Mix the apple butter, molasses, ginger and salt and pepper together.
3. Arrange the warm chicken breasts in a rectangular baking dish or casserole.
4. Brush the apple butter mixture thickly on the chicken breasts.
5. Bake in 350 degree oven until chicken is hot and done.

Serve with fresh fruit and crusty bread.