Follow the steps in order for the best result.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready for even cooking of the chicken.
In an oven-safe baking dish, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the dish, and brown them on one side to develop a rich, flavorful crust.
Once the first side is nicely browned, turn the chicken pieces over. While the second side is browning, season each piece with a pinch of dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This layering of flavors enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Spoon one tablespoon of apple butter onto each chicken piece, spreading it evenly over the top. The apple butter will create a delicious sweet and savory glaze as it bakes.
Pour the white wine over the chicken, ensuring it reaches about 1/4 inch in the baking dish. The wine will help to keep the chicken moist and add depth of flavor to the sauce.
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Baking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Remove the baked chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serve the apple butter chicken hot, accompanied by 2 cups of cooked rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy this delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors!