Name: Cozy Apple Cider Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup apple cider (not apple juice); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary; 2 firm apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced; Optional: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender chicken infused with apple cider, crisp apples, and aromatic herbs. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Plus, it’s made with one skillet and minimal ingredients — delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil or butter
Onion, thinly sliced
Garlic, minced
Apple cider (not apple juice)
Dijon mustard
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Apples, sliced (firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Optional: apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick
Optional: cornstarch slurry (for thickening the sauce)

Directions

Season and sear chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Deglaze with cider: Pour in apple cider and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in Dijon mustard and fresh herbs.
Return chicken and add apples: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Add sliced apples around the chicken.
Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Optional thickening: For a thicker sauce, remove chicken and apples and stir in a cornstarch slurry. Simmer until slightly thickened, then return everything to the pan.
Serve: Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Boneless chicken thighs: Cook slightly less time, but they work just as well.
Add veggies: Toss in baby potatoes, carrots, or butternut squash for a one-pan meal.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce.
Use hard cider: For a more adult twist, use dry hard cider instead of apple cider.
Add a splash of vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds brightness to balance the sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken after storing, so add a splash of cider or broth if needed to loosen it.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, but you’ll lose the crisp skin and some richness. Adjust cooking time as they cook faster.

What’s the best type of apple to use?

Use firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith so they hold their shape during cooking.

Is apple juice okay instead of cider?

Apple juice is sweeter and less complex. Use cider for best flavor, but juice can work in a pinch.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes. After searing, transfer everything to an oven-safe skillet or dish and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

Does this recipe freeze well?

Cooked chicken freezes well, but the apples may soften too much. Freeze in a sauce-safe container for up to 2 months.

What can I serve with it?

Mashed potatoes, wild rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread pair beautifully with the sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but they tend to dry out. Bone-in, skin-on breasts will work better than boneless.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and simmer until thickened.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just use olive oil instead of butter and skip any optional cream at the end.

What herbs work best?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage add the best fall-inspired flavor, but dried herbs can also be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Cozy Apple Cider Chicken Thighs is a seasonal favorite that turns simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, comforting dish. With its golden-crisp chicken, sweet apples, and cider-infused sauce, this recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings. Easy enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for guests — it’s a must-try for fall and beyond.