Apple Cider Chicken

I recently cooked the Apple Cider Chicken recipe. It’s a juicy, tender chicken dish simmered in a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce with hints of mustard and fresh herbs. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the apple cider adds a natural sweetness and bright acidity that balances the savory chicken perfectly. The sauce reduces to a glossy, flavorful glaze, making every bite rich and comforting. It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients but tastes like something special.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Apple cider (fresh or store-bought)
Dijon mustard
Garlic cloves, minced
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Chicken broth or stock
Butter

directions

1. I season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

2. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, then flip and brown the other side.

3. I remove the chicken and set aside, pouring off excess fat but leaving the browned bits in the skillet.

4. I add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.

5. I stir in apple cider, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and fresh herbs. I scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits.

6. I return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up, and simmer uncovered until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced and thickened, about 20–25 minutes.

7. I finish by stirring in butter to add richness and glossy shine to the sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep takes about 10 minutes, cooking around 35 minutes, so total time is roughly 45 minutes.

Variations

• I swap chicken thighs for bone-in breasts or drumsticks depending on preference.

• I sometimes add sliced apples or shallots to the sauce for extra sweetness and texture.

• For a thicker sauce, I reduce it longer or add a cornstarch slurry at the end.

• Fresh sage or rosemary can replace thyme for a different herbal note.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, though apple cider has a deeper, spiced flavor. Apple juice works fine but may be sweeter and less complex.

Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken?

Bone-in thighs add flavor and moisture, but boneless can be used; just reduce cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—I skip the butter or substitute with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

What side dishes pair well with this?

I love serving this chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice to soak up the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and flavors develop further when allowed to sit overnight.

Conclusion

I find this Apple Cider Chicken recipe to be a simple yet elegant dish that delivers comforting, balanced flavors. The sweet-tart cider sauce with tender chicken makes it a versatile weeknight favorite that feels special without fuss.

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