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Skillet Apple Cider Chicken

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken: Your New Favorite Fall Comfort Meal

This Skillet Apple Cider Chicken is a delightful fall dish combining juicy chicken thighs and a sweet-savory apple cider sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Choose thighs for rich flavor and moisture compared to breasts.
For the Cooking Fat
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Helps brown the chicken evenly and adds flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness to the sauce; unsalted is best for controlling seasoning.
For the Sauce
  • 2 pieces Shallots Provide aromatic depth; substitute with onions if needed.
  • 2 pieces Apples Mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp) apples gives great texture and taste.
  • 1 cup Apple Cider The star of the sauce; ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Enhances sweetness; adjust based on the tartness of your apples.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Spices (Salt) Essential for well-seasoned dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Essential for well-seasoned dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Essential for well-seasoned dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Essential for well-seasoned dish; can be swapped with cumin if necessary.

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Skillet Apple Cider Chicken
  1. Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with a mix of salt, pepper, thyme, and coriander on both sides. Allow the chicken to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the spices while you prep your skillet.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced shallots and diced apples. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallots are softened and the apples begin to caramelize.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of fresh apple cider and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, stirring carefully to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Return the chicken thighs back to the skillet, nestling them into the apple mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and soak up the flavors.
  6. Carefully plate the chicken thighs and generously spoon the apple and shallot mixture over the top, garnishing with fresh thyme or rosemary.

Notes

Opt for chicken thighs for richer flavor and juiciness. Letting the chicken sit for 10 minutes allows flavors to penetrate deeply. Mixing tart and sweet apples is essential for the best flavor profile. Maintain medium heat to avoid burning shallots and apples. Simmering the sauce longer can enhance its consistency.