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Apple Cider Chicken

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This easy apple cider chicken recipe is the ultimate cozy fall dinner, featuring juicy chicken simmered in a glossy, sweet-savory apple cider sauce with onions, apples, and fresh herbs. It’s a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or plant-based butter for dairy-free)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup fresh apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 4–5 fresh sage leaves, chopped (optional, or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp, Gala, or any crisp variety), cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer (in batches if needed) for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Whisk in Dijon mustard, rosemary, and sage. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Nestle browned chicken and any juices back into the pan. Scatter sliced apple around the chicken. Simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes, flipping chicken once halfway, until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  6. Stir in apple cider vinegar to brighten the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve chicken and apples with sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a GF flour blend or cornstarch for dredging. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter or extra olive oil. Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs (reduce simmer time slightly). If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes. Apples brown quickly, so slice just before adding. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider chicken, fall dinner, cozy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, apple recipes, easy weeknight dinner, autumn chicken, one pan chicken, comfort food, gluten-free adaptable, dairy-free adaptable

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/apple-cider-chicken-recipe-easy-cozy-fall-dinner-idea/