Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the richness of seared chicken with the natural sweetness of apple cider and the earthy aroma of rosemary, creating a comforting, full-flavored dish. It’s easy to prepare, uses seasonal ingredients, and makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while it cooks. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a meal that feels cozy and complete.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic (minced)
Shallot or onion (finely chopped)
Fresh rosemary (chopped, plus extra sprigs for garnish)
Apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
Dijon mustard
Chicken broth
Apple slices (optional, for garnish or cooking)

Directions

Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 2–3 minutes.
Stir in Dijon mustard and rosemary, then pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up.
Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Optional: Uncover and simmer an additional 5–10 minutes to reduce the sauce.
Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs and apple slices before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Boneless Chicken: Use boneless thighs or breasts for quicker cooking; reduce simmer time by about 5 minutes.
Creamy Option: Stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche at the end for a velvety finish.
Spiced Cider: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to deepen the fall flavor.
Apple Twist: Sauté thin apple slices with the shallots for added sweetness and texture.
One-Pan Meal: Add chopped carrots, potatoes, or parsnips to the pan with the chicken for a complete dinner.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: The chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

FAQs

What kind of apple cider should I use?

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider (not vinegar) for the best flavor and natural sweetness.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs offer more flavor and stay moist during simmering. Adjust cook time accordingly.

Is this dish sweet?

The cider adds subtle sweetness, but it’s balanced by mustard, herbs, and broth for a savory result.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes. After searing and adding the liquids, transfer the pan to a 375°F oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.

What can I serve with this?

Try mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I add apples to the dish?

Absolutely. Thinly sliced apples can be added during simmering or used as a fresh garnish.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Just store the sauce and chicken together.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add cream. Just skip that step if avoiding dairy.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

Grainy mustard or a small amount of yellow mustard can work as substitutes.

Can I use dried rosemary?

Yes, use about 1 teaspoon dried rosemary in place of fresh. The flavor will be more concentrated.

Conclusion

Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that perfectly bridges sweet and savory in a way only fall recipes can. With tender chicken simmered in a fragrant cider and rosemary sauce, it’s a versatile meal that fits both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Simple, seasonal, and satisfying — this dish will quickly become a cold-weather favorite.