This Apple Cider Chicken is a tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken and sweet apple cider. It’s cooked to perfection with onions and herbs, making every bite a delight!
One of my favorite things about this dish is how easy it is. Just toss everything in the pan and let it simmer! Plus, the aroma fills the kitchen. Who doesn’t love that? 🍏🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more quickly.
Apples: Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work great. If those aren’t available, you can use Granny Smith for a more tart flavor or any apples you have on hand. Just avoid overly soft varieties.
Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If you only have apple juice, you can use it, but consider adding a splash of vinegar for tanginess. Avoid apple cider vinegar—it’s too strong!
Onions: I love yellow onions for their sweetness when caramelized, but you can swap in shallots for a milder taste or red onions for a more colorful presentation.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken Skin?
Searing the chicken is key to getting that delicious crispy skin! Start with a hot pan and don’t overcrowd it. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure the chicken is dry before seasoning. Pat it with paper towels.
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering before adding the chicken.
- Cook skin-side down without moving it for 5-7 minutes to get it golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and sear the other side for about 3-4 minutes.
Let the chicken rest for a minute after baking to keep it juicy. This technique makes all the difference!
Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced (preferably a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cider Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven. Overall, you will need around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a wonderful meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for baking once you finish preparing the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Sear the thighs for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin turns crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the Onions and Apples:
In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Next, add the sliced apples and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the apples start to become tender.
5. Add Liquid and Herbs:
Pour in the apple cider, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Then, add the fresh thyme sprigs for added aroma and flavor.
6. Combine Chicken and Mixture:
Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the apple and onion mixture, skin-side up. This allows the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors from the cider and produce a mouthwatering result.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has slightly reduced. Make sure to check the temperature with a meat thermometer for safety!
8. Finish and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. If you want a richer flavor, stir in a tablespoon of butter into the hot sauce. This will add a lovely, creamy finish! Garnish your dish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Chicken—a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just note that they may cook faster, so check the internal temperature after about 15-20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Thyme?
No worries! If fresh thyme isn’t available, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Just add it to the skillet along with the apple cider for flavor.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of apple cider if the sauce has thickened too much.
