Name: Skillet Apple Cider Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup apple cider (not apple juice); 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried); 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1 apple, thinly sliced for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with warm, autumnal flavors
One-skillet meal for easy cooking and cleanup
Ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for weeknights
Elegant enough for entertaining or holiday dinners
Delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread
Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff

Ingredients

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

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Apple cider (not apple juice)
Yellow onion, thinly sliced
Garlic, minced
Dijon mustard
Fresh thyme or rosemary (or dried)
Olive oil or butter
Chicken broth
Apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sliced apples for garnish

Directions

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Deglaze the skillet with apple cider, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and herbs. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if using.
Return the chicken to the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly reduced.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or apple slices if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add sliced apples to the sauce for extra sweetness and texture
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for deeper flavor (adjust cooking time)
Add a splash of cream for a richer, creamier sauce
Use sage instead of thyme or rosemary for a deeper autumn flavor
Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through
Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes
Freeze chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple juice is much sweeter and lacks the depth of flavor—apple cider is highly recommended.

What’s the difference between apple cider and apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider is a sweet, unfiltered apple drink, while apple cider vinegar is tart and acidic. They are not interchangeable.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as breasts may cook faster and can dry out more easily.

What side dishes go well with this chicken?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, wild rice, or crusty bread complement the flavors beautifully.

Can I add cream to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of heavy cream at the end will add richness and balance the acidity.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and mustard.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and avoid adding cream.

Can I use hard cider instead of apple cider?

Hard cider can work, but it will add a boozy, slightly bitter flavor. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken is the ultimate fall comfort food—flavorful, cozy, and beautifully simple. With its sweet-and-savory sauce and juicy chicken, it’s a dish that feels special without being fussy. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a seasonal dinner, this recipe brings autumn to your table in the most delicious way.

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken