Apple Cider Chicken Skillet is a cozy, flavorful dish featuring juicy, seared chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a rich apple cider sauce. The sauce, made with apple cider, garlic, shallots, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream, creates a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors. Slices of tender apples are often added to complement the dish with their natural sweetness, while the skillet cooking method ensures the chicken stays tender and flavorful.
I first made Apple Cider Chicken Skillet on a crisp autumn evening, and it instantly became a family favorite. The warm, comforting flavors of the apple cider and the savory chicken made the whole house smell amazing. What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. It pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special fall gathering, this dish is a delicious way to celebrate the season!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Weeknight meals
- Fall and winter seasons
- Entertaining guests
- Comfort food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Apple Cider Chicken Skillet will become a go-to favorite:
- Bursting with Seasonal Flavors: The combination of apple cider and fresh apples creates a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with this easy one-skillet recipe.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful with a perfect sear.
- Rich Sauce: The apple cider reduction creates a luscious sauce that coats the chicken and apples beautifully.
- Caramelized Onions: Sweet and golden onions add depth to the dish.
- Fresh Herb Aroma: Thyme and rosemary bring a fragrant and earthy flavor.
- Customizable: Use chicken breasts, add mushrooms, or switch up the herbs to suit your taste.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in under an hour, ideal for busy evenings.
- Pairs Well with Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Apple slices
Ingredient Highlights
- Apple Cider: Provides natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Retain moisture and enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and richness to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sear the Chicken:
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat Skillet: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, melt butter and add the sliced onions. Cook until golden and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Apples: Stir in the apple slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer Sauce: Add chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Chicken:
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the sauce, skin-side up.
- Simmer: Cover and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the chicken with apples and onions, spooning the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Apple Cider Chicken Skillet:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the chicken and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Over Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine or wild rice for a hearty meal.
- With Crusty Bread: Use bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Paired with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash.
- Over Polenta: A creamy polenta base pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the flavors.
- With Egg Noodles: Toss cooked egg noodles in the sauce for a comforting twist.
- As a Sandwich: Shred the chicken and serve on a crusty roll with a drizzle of sauce.
- With Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option, pair with mashed cauliflower.
- As a Meal Prep Option: Divide into meal prep containers for easy, flavorful lunches.
Additional Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks. The juices released during cooking will enhance the overall dish.
- Marinate in Advance: Marinate the chicken in apple cider, garlic, and herbs for at least an hour before cooking to intensify the flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with a splash of apple cider to incorporate all the caramelized bits into the sauce.
- Choose Fresh Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the cider and add a delightful crunch.
- Add Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for a hearty, autumn-inspired dish.
- Enhance the Sauce: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of heavy cream to create a richer, more complex sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage for a fragrant and visually appealing finish.
- Don’t Overcook the Apples: Add the apple slices toward the end of cooking to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Pair with Rustic Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal more satisfying.
- Try a Cider Reduction: Reduce some apple cider separately until syrupy, then drizzle it over the finished dish for an extra burst of apple flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Cider Cream Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Boneless Option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for quicker cooking.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with seared tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
- Spiced Apples: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for added depth.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Mix honey with Dijon mustard for a sweeter sauce variation.
- Maple Infusion: Replace a portion of apple cider with maple syrup for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the chicken broth and Dijon mustard are gluten-free.
- Cranberry Addition: Add dried cranberries for a festive touch.
- Herb Swap: Try sage or parsley in place of thyme and rosemary.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: For searing the chicken and cooking the sauce.
- Tongs: To easily flip the chicken.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring and deglazing the pan.
- Lid for Skillet: To cover and simmer the chicken.
FAQ Section
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop. - Can I use sparkling apple cider?
It’s best to use non-carbonated cider for cooking to avoid altering the sauce texture. - What can I substitute for apple cider?
Apple juice or white grape juice with a splash of vinegar works as a substitute. - How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or cider to thin the sauce if needed. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving. - What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth to keep the sauce from drying out. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes would work well. - Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweetness of the apples and cider often appeals to children. - How can I make the skin crispier?
Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after cooking to crisp the skin further.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Chicken Skillet is a cozy and flavorful dish that pairs tender, seared chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider, creating a comforting and savory meal. The chicken is cooked in a rich sauce made from apple cider, chicken broth, garlic, and herbs, which reduces into a luscious glaze. The dish is often complemented with caramelized apple slices or sautéed onions for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
This one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hearty yet elegant dinner. It pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. You can also customize it by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
I can’t wait to see how your Apple Cider Chicken Skillet turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!