This Apple Cider Chicken is a cozy dish, perfect for chilly nights. Juicy chicken pairs with sweet apple cider for a wonderful flavor that will make your kitchen smell amazing!
You’ll love how easy this recipe is. Just cook the chicken, add cider, and let it simmer. You’ll be twirling around the kitchen while it cooks—let’s just hope nobody trips on the dance floor! 🎶
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, boneless, skinless thighs can work too, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times.
Apple Cider: Unsweetened apple cider is key for balance. If you can’t find it, apple juice works, but it will be sweeter. You can also dilute apple juice with a bit of water to reduce the sweetness.
Thyme: Dried thyme is easy and flavorful. If you have fresh thyme, use it! Fresh herbs really elevate the dish. Remember, fresh is more potent, so use about three times less.
Apples: I like using tart apples like Granny Smith, but feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand. Mixing sweet and tart varieties can add depth to the dish!
How Do You Get the Chicken Skin Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy skin is all about technique. Here are a few tips to master it:
- Ensure the chicken is dry before seasoning—this helps the skin crisp up.
- Start cooking in a hot pan with enough oil. This creates a nice seal and prevents sticking.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. Give each piece space to breathe, which allows for even cooking.
Cook the skin side down first and let it be—resist the urge to flip it too soon for maximum crispiness!
How to Make Apple Cider Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish)
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
For the Apples:
- 2 apples, cored and sliced into chunks (about 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richer sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cider Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes of cooking time, making it a perfect dish for any night of the week. In total, you’ll be enjoying your meal in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps to achieve crispy skin! Generously season both sides with salt and pepper for great flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onion. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes softened and translucent.
4. Add Garlic and Thyme:
Now, add the minced garlic and thyme to the onions and cook for about 1 minute more until they’re fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the apple cider, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar (if using). Do not forget to scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those flavorful browned bits mixed in!
6. Cook the Chicken:
Return the chicken thighs to the pan, placing them skin side up. Scatter the apple chunks around the chicken for extra flavor and sweetness.
7. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Your chicken should be cooked through (check that the internal temperature is at least 165°F/75°C), and the apples should become tender.
8. Finish Off:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and apples to a platter and tent with foil to keep them warm. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce boil for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the butter for an extra luxurious finish, if desired.
9. Serve:
Pour the luscious sauce over the chicken and apples on the platter, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Chicken with roasted vegetables or crusty bread! It’s a meal that brings comfort and warmth to your table!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they will cook faster—check for doneness around 20-25 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent drying out!
What Type of Apples Work Best in This Recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great options. They hold their shape and add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cider. Feel free to mix sweet and tart apples for more complexity!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove to warm it through. The flavors may even deepen overnight!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of apple cider or broth if needed to keep moisture.
