Apple Cider Chicken

When autumn leaves start to fall and the scent of warm spices fills the kitchen, there’s nothing more comforting than preparing a dish like apple cider chicken. This tender, golden-browned chicken simmered in apple cider creates a cozy flavor harmony that feels like the essence of the season itself.

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Course: Chicken Dishes, Dinner, Fall Recipes, One-Pan Meals

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Keyword: apple cider chicken, cider glazed chicken, cozy autumn recipe, fall dinner, one pan chicken, skillet

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 35

Simmering & Resting Time: 10

Total Time: 1

Servings: people

Ingredients

Chicken thighs 900 g / 2 lb: Provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender after simmering.
Unsweetened apple cider 480 ml / 2 cups: Forms the sweet-tart base of the sauce.
Yellow onions 200 g / 7 oz: Bring caramelized depth and warmth to the dish.
Garlic cloves 12 g / 0.4 oz: Add aromatic pungency that enhances the savory notes.
Olive oil 30 ml / 2 tbsp: Helps brown the chicken and enriches the sauce texture.
Fresh thyme 2 g / 0.07 oz: Contributes herbal, earthy accents.
Dijon mustard 20 g / 0.7 oz: Balances sweetness and adds brightness.
Butter 28 g / 1 oz: Adds smooth, creamy richness to the final sauce.
Salt 5 g / 0.18 oz: Enhances and unifies flavors.
Black pepper 2 g / 0.07 oz: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
Plated apple cider chicken with herbs ready to serve
Warm and inviting plate of apple cider chicken ready for dinner.

Instructions

Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5 minutes until golden brown; flip and cook 3 more minutes.
Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add butter, onions, and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
Pour in apple cider and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom to deglaze the pan.
Whisk in Dijon mustard and thyme, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until tender and sauce slightly thickens.
Finally, taste and adjust seasoning before serving with roasted carrots or mashed potatoes.

Notes

If apple cider is unavailable, substitute with unfiltered apple juice and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
For meal-prep ease, cook a double batch and refrigerate; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Apple cider chicken stores well in airtight containers for up to three days and makes a protein-rich meal for quick lunches.
apple cider chicken ingredients on marble board
All the key ingredients for apple cider chicken beautifully arranged.