Description
Skillet Apple Cider Chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant apple cider sauce with crisp apples, warm spices, and savory aromatics. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Produce
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Liquids & Fats
- 1 cup natural unsweetened apple cider
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season evenly with salt and pepper. Thinly slice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick softening during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside to keep it juicy.
- Sauté Aromatics and Apples: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic, stirring until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the chopped apples and cook until they begin to soften and caramelize, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate browned bits. Stir in the cinnamon and fresh thyme, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions. Cover and simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Final Touches and Serve: Uncover the skillet and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken for a crispy, golden exterior.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; cook in batches if necessary to maintain a good sear.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to avoid a mushy texture in the sauce.
- Simmer gently on low heat to keep chicken moist and allow flavors to meld.
- Taste the sauce before finishing and add honey or maple syrup if a sweeter flavor is desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce and apples
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg