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Apple Cider Chicken

Apple Cider Chicken

Apple Cider Chicken is a cozy and flavorful autumn dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich sauce made from fresh apple cider, savory herbs, and warm spices. This comforting recipe balances the natural sweetness and tartness of apple cider with garlic, onions, and mustard, creating a perfect meal for chilly evenings that embodies the essence of fall. Simple to prepare yet elegant in taste, it’s great for family dinners, leftovers, and versatile enough to adapt to dietary needs.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on for best flavor
  • 2 cups fresh apple cider
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or regular mustard
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it browns beautifully. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial because well-seasoned chicken forms the foundation of your flavorful dish.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat butter or olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down first and cook until it develops a golden, crispy crust. Flip and brown the other side, then remove the chicken and set aside. This step locks in juices and adds depth to the final flavor.
  3. Cook Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce heat slightly and add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. These caramelized aromatics form the base of your delicious sauce.
  4. Add Apple Cider and Broth: Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, stirring in mustard and fresh herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly into a rich glaze.
  5. Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan skin-side up, cover, and let it simmer gently until cooked through and tender. The chicken absorbs the cider-infused sauce, becoming juicy and bursting with fall-inspired flavor.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve your Apple Cider Chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top for an irresistible, cozy meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh apple cider for best flavor; it packs more depth than bottled substitutes.
  • Take your time browning the chicken for a crispy, golden crust and better texture contrast.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to keep chicken juicy and let the sauce develop rich flavors.
  • Add fresh herbs towards the end to preserve their aroma and brightness.
  • If the sauce is too tart, balance acidity with a small pinch of brown sugar.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan Searing and Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: apple cider chicken, fall recipe, cozy dinner, gluten free chicken, autumn chicken dish, savory apple chicken