Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Looking for a cozy and delicious meal that’s perfect for this time of year? Say hello to Apple Cider Chicken!

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This dish combines tender chicken thighs with the rich flavor of sweet apple cider, creating a mouthwatering apple cider chicken dinner that the whole family will love.

​Adding the flavor of apples makes for some seriously delicious meat. Chicken thighs are no exception!

Imagine juicy chicken pieces cooked to golden brown perfection in a cast iron skillet, smothered in a delicious sauce made with apple cider, brown sugar, and fragrant spices like garlic powder and onion powder.

The aroma fills your home, making everyone’s mouths water as they sit around the table. Don’t take too long dishing it out. Those guests will be ravenous, haha!

The sweet and savory flavors pair wonderfully with sides like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or even brussels sprouts.

What’s great about this recipe is that it’s simple to make but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

With a few basic ingredients and about 40 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have an apple cider chicken meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or special occasions. So grab your cast iron skillet, and let’s get cooking!

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Jump to:

• WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
• INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
• HOW TO MAKE APPLE CIDER CHICKEN:
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
• DO I HAVE TO ADD THE APPLES?
• CAN THIS BE MADE WITH ANOTHER CUT OF CHICKEN?
• ANY ADDITIONS?
• ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
• HOW TO STORE:
• DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
• Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

1. Rich Flavor: The combination of sweet apple cider, brown sugar, and spices creates a delicious sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
2. Easy Preparation: Cooking everything in one cast iron skillet means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
3. Versatile Ingredients: To suit your taste, you can customize this dish with different veggies or sides, like butternut squash or green beans.

• Bone-in chicken thighs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Vegetable oil
• Half an onion (diced)
• Apple cider
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic (minced)
• Apple (sliced)

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1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
2. In a large bowl add the chicken thighs, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika and stir together until both sides of the chicken thighs are coated.
3. In a large oven-safe pan, add the vegetable oil and cook over medium to high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down. 
4. Once they are golden brown and crispy ( 5-6 minutes), flip them to the other side and continue cooking again. Once browned on both sides, set them on a plate and set them aside.
5. Add the onions to the juices in the pan, stir, and cook until they are almost clear. 
6. Add the apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic, stir until it comes to a boil, then turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. 
7. Add the sliced apples and chicken thighs back to the pan.
8. Using a big spoon, scoop the glaze out of the bottom and pour it over the chicken. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 
9. Once it’s done cooking, spoon more glaze from the pan over the chicken and serve.

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DO I HAVE TO ADD THE APPLES?

No, you don’t have to add the apples if you prefer not to.

The apple slices add a nice sweetness and texture to the dish, but it’s still delicious without them.

The sweet apple cider and spices will provide plenty of rich flavor to the chicken recipe.

CAN THIS BE MADE WITH ANOTHER CUT OF CHICKEN?

Yes, you can use other cuts like chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs.

Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for best results.

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ANY ADDITIONS?

Don’t hesitate to change things up as you will.

I love experimenting, and nothing says you have to stick to the original.

• Fresh thyme or fresh rosemary added to the sauce for extra aroma.
• Brussels sprouts or green beans cooked alongside the chicken.
• Sweet potatoes or butternut squash diced and added to the skillet.
• Red onions instead of regular onions for a sweeter taste.
• Caramelized onions mixed into the sauce.
• A little butter stirred into the sauce for extra richness.
• Apple juice if you can’t find apple cider.
• Sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper on top before serving.
• Serve over brown rice or whole grains like quinoa.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Always! Try a thing or two from this list and tell me how it goes in the comments!

• Chicken thighs: Use chicken breasts or chicken cutlets instead.
• Apple cider: Substitute with apple juice.
• Brown sugar: Use honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
• Soy sauce: Replace with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetable oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil.
• Worcestershire sauce: Omit or use balsamic vinegar for a different flavor.

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Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a small bowl in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

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This Apple Cider Chicken is a great recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights and will quickly become part of your regular rotation.

With its rich flavor and easy preparation, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

So, next time you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal, try this recipe!