Description
This Apple Cider Chicken is a cozy, fall-inspired dinner that’s bursting with flavor! Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a buttery apple cider sauce with tender apples, shallots, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish made right in your skillet — perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 Tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
2 cups (250g) apple slices (about 1/4-inch thick, no need to peel)
1/3 cup (40g) chopped shallots (or yellow onion)
1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)
Optional: fresh thyme and rosemary, for garnish
Instructions
Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix 3/4 teaspoon salt, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture on both sides of the chicken thighs.Sear the Chicken:
Heat a 12-inch skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add chicken thighs and sear for 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.Cook the Apples and Shallots:
In the same pan, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, apples, shallots, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples begin to soften.Add the Apple Cider:
Pour in the apple cider, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.Finish the Dish:
Return chicken to the pan and spoon the cider sauce and apples over top. Let it all simmer together for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
Apple Tip: Use firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for best results.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Don’t swap cider for vinegar — the flavors are completely different!
Serving Idea: Serve over mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg