Description
Skillet Apple Cider Chicken is a cozy fall dish made with tender chicken simmered in a savory-sweet apple cider sauce with caramelized onions, garlic, Dijon mustard, and herbs. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.
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
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced onion and sauté until soft and lightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Deglaze the skillet with apple cider, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in chicken broth, Dijon mustard, herbs, and apple cider vinegar if using.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly reduced.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with apple slices and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor, but increase simmer time accordingly.
- Add sliced apples to the skillet for added texture and fall sweetness.
- A splash of cream can be stirred in at the end for a richer sauce.
- Let sauce simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken naturally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg